5-year Patient Research Articles

Surgical treatment for recurrent cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center series.

The present study aims to assess the results obtained after surgical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) recurrences. We carried out a single-center retrospective study, including all patients with recurrence of CC. The primary outcome was patient survival after surgical treatment compared with chemotherapy or best supportive care. A multivariate analysis of variables affecting mortality after CC recurrence was performed. Eighteen patients were indicated surgery to treat CC recurrence. Severe postoperative complication rate was 27.8% with a 30-day mortality rate of 16.7%. Median survival after surgery was 15 months (range 0-50) with 1- and 3-year patient survival rates of 55.6% and 16.6%, respectively. Patient survival after surgery or CHT alone, was significantly better than receiving supportive care (p< 0.001). We found no significant difference in survival when comparing CHT alone and surgical treatment (p=0.113). Time to recurrence of <1 year, adjuvant CHT after resection of the primary tumor and undergoing surgery or CHT alone versus best supportive care were independent factors affecting mortality after CC recurrence in the multivariate analysis. Surgery or CHT alone improved patient survival after CC recurrence compared to best supportive care. Surgical treatment did not improve patient survival compared to CHT alone.

Long-Term Results of Femorodistal Sequential Composite-Bypass Combining Heparin-Bonded PTFE-Prosthesis and Autologous Vein Using the Deutsch Bridge Technique in Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Autologous vein bypass provides excellent long-term results in critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), but a substantial portion of patients have insufficient vein length. In limbs with two distal outflow vessels and limited vein length, a vascular prosthesis may be combined with autologous vein for a sequential composite bridge bypass (SCBB). Results regarding graft function, limb salvage and reinterventions are presented. Between January 2010 and December 2019, 47 consecutive SCBB operations with a heparin-bonded PTFE-prosthesis and autologous vein were performed. Grafts were followed with a duplex scan with prospective documentation in a computerized vascular database. Retrospective analysis of graft patency, limb salvage and patient survival was performed. Mean follow-up was 34 months (range 1-127 months). 30-day mortality was 10.6% and 5-year patient survival 32%. Postoperative bypass occlusion occurred in 6.4% and late occlusions or graft stenoses in 30%. Two prostheses developed late infection and seven legs were amputated. Primary, primary assisted, secondary patency and limb salvage rate were 54%, 63%, 66% and 85% after 5 years, respectively. SCBB patency and limb salvage were good despite a high early postoperative mortality. Combination of a heparin-bonded PTFE-prosthesis and autologous vein appears to be a valuable tool in CLTI in case of insufficient vein.

From large-for-size to large-for-flow: A paradigm shift in liver transplantation.

Liver graft-recipient matching remains challenging, and both morphologic and hemodynamic characteristics have been shown to be relevant indicators of post-transplant outcomes. However, no combined analysis is available to date. To study the impact of both morphologic and hemodynamic characteristics of liver grafts on transplantation outcomes, we retrospectively evaluated all consecutive 257 liver transplantations with prospective hemodynamic measurements from 2017 to 2020 in a single-center perspective. First, a morphologic analysis compared recipients with or without large-for-size (LFS), defined by a graft/recipient weight ratio >2.5% and excluding extreme LFS. Second, a hemodynamic analysis compared recipients with or without low portal flow (LPF; <80mL/min per 100 g of liver tissue). Third, an outcome analysis combining LPF and LFS was performed, focusing on liver graft-related morbidity (LGRM), graft and patient survival. LGRM was a composite endpoint, including primary nonfunction, high-risk L-Graft7 category, and portal vein thrombosis. Morphologic analysis showed that LFS (n=33; 12.9%) was not associated with an increased LGRM (12.1% vs 9.4%; p =0.61) or impaired graft and patient survival. However, the hemodynamic analysis showed that LPF (n=43; 16.8%) was associated with a higher LGRM (20.9% vs 7.5%, p = 0.007) and a significantly impaired 90-day graft and patient survival. Multivariable analysis identified LPF but not LFS as an independent risk factor for LGRM (OR: 2.8%; CI:1.088-7.413; and p = 0.03), 90-day (HR: 4%; CI: 1.411-11.551; and p = 0 .01), and 1-year patient survival. LPF is a significant predictor of post-liver transplantation morbi-mortality, independent of LFS when defined as a morphologic metric alone. Consequently, we propose the novel concept of large-for-flow, which may guide graft selection and improve perioperative management of LPF.

MP61-10 URINARY FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY VS. RADIATION THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER FOLLOWING HOLMIUM LASER ENUCLEATION OF THE PROSTATE (HOLEP)

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP61-10 URINARY FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY VS. RADIATION THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER FOLLOWING HOLMIUM LASER ENUCLEATION OF THE PROSTATE (HOLEP) Alex Piroozi, Austen Slade, RJ Caras, T. Max Shelton, Udit Vyas, Katrina Collins, Omar Ishaq, Mohamed Elsaqa, Corey Able, Ronald Boris, Marawan M. El tayeb, Marcelino Rivera, and James Lingeman Alex PirooziAlex Piroozi More articles by this author , Austen SladeAusten Slade More articles by this author , RJ CarasRJ Caras More articles by this author , T. Max SheltonT. Max Shelton More articles by this author , Udit VyasUdit Vyas More articles by this author , Katrina CollinsKatrina Collins More articles by this author , Omar IshaqOmar Ishaq More articles by this author , Mohamed ElsaqaMohamed Elsaqa More articles by this author , Corey AbleCorey Able More articles by this author , Ronald BorisRonald Boris More articles by this author , Marawan M. El tayebMarawan M. El tayeb More articles by this author , Marcelino RiveraMarcelino Rivera More articles by this author , and James LingemanJames Lingeman More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003319.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is a well-documented finding in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP); however, there is little data on the outcomes of patients who underwent HoLEP followed by definitive therapy for subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis. We sought to compare the urinary functional outcomes after undergoing radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation for prostate cancer following HoLEP. METHODS: All patients from 2010 to 2021 at Indiana University and Baylor Scott and White Hospitals who underwent radiation or prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer after HoLEP were included. We performed a retrospective analysis of their urinary function with greater than 1-year post-treatment American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA), Quality of Life (QOL), and incontinence follow up. Incontinence was defined as patient reported leakage of any urine. RESULTS: There were 33 radical prostatectomy and 36 radiation patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical significance between the mean AUA scores of greater than 1-year post-prostatectomy patients (7.69) and post-radiation patients (8.08) (p=0.8175). Similarly, there was no statistical significance between the QOL scores of greater than 1-year post-prostatectomy patients (1.96) and post-radiation patients (2.00) (p=0.9175). There is a statistically significant decrease in complaints of incontinence in greater than 1-year post-radiation patients (28%) compared to post-prostatectomy patients (73.3%) (p=0.0017). There was also a significant difference between mean age of the prostatectomy group (66.4 years) and the radiation group (75.3 years) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in BMI, pre-HoLEP prostate size, pre-HoLEP AUA score, or pre-HoLEP QOL score between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Radical prostatectomy and radiation provide similar AUA and QOL symptom scores for prostate cancer patients who previously underwent HoLEP, with radiation associated with decreased incidence of incontinence. Patients specifically concerned with the risk of incontinence following prostate cancer treatment may consider the increased risk from a prostatectomy. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e856 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Alex Piroozi More articles by this author Austen Slade More articles by this author RJ Caras More articles by this author T. Max Shelton More articles by this author Udit Vyas More articles by this author Katrina Collins More articles by this author Omar Ishaq More articles by this author Mohamed Elsaqa More articles by this author Corey Able More articles by this author Ronald Boris More articles by this author Marawan M. El tayeb More articles by this author Marcelino Rivera More articles by this author James Lingeman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Older Recipients.

BACKGROUND Access to kidney transplantation is limited for elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who often die while on the waiting list or receive kidneys from marginal deceased donors. In our transplantation center, most donated kidneys were from younger living relatives, in whom donations to elderly outcomes were not previously studied. In this study, we aimed to determine the short- and long-term outcomes of patients aged ³65 years to justify the use of kidneys from younger donors in older recipients. We also compared the outcomes between those who received kidneys from living donors (LDs) and deceased donors (DDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed the patients' demographic data and the 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient and graft survival rates of patients aged ≥65 years who received kidney transplants between January 2005 and December 2020. RESULTS Among 158 patients, 136 received kidneys from LD and 22 from DD. The mean age was 69 years old. In this cohort, the most common cause of ESRD was diabetes. The graft survival rates were 99%, 96%, and 94% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Patient survival was 94%, 83%, and 61% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Delayed graft function rates, 1-year patient survival, and 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were lower in the DD group. Ischemic heart disease and transplantation from DD were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated reasonably good patient and graft survival rates in older patients. Outcomes were better in patients who received kidneys from LD.

Distinct Phenotypes of Non-Citizen Kidney Transplant Recipients in the United States by Machine Learning Consensus Clustering.

Better understanding of the different phenotypes/subgroups of non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients may help the transplant community to identify strategies that improve outcomes among non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients. This study aimed to cluster non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients using an unsupervised machine learning approach; Methods: We conducted a consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant- related characteristics in non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients in the United States from 2010 to 2019 in the OPTN/UNOS database using recipient, donor, and transplant-related characteristics. Each cluster's key characteristics were identified using the standardized mean difference. Post-transplant outcomes were compared among the clusters; Results: Consensus cluster analysis was performed in 11,300 non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients and identified two distinct clusters best representing clinical characteristics. Cluster 1 patients were notable for young age, preemptive kidney transplant or dialysis duration of less than 1 year, working income, private insurance, non-hypertensive donors, and Hispanic living donors with a low number of HLA mismatch. In contrast, cluster 2 patients were characterized by non-ECD deceased donors with KDPI <85%. Consequently, cluster 1 patients had reduced cold ischemia time, lower proportion of machine-perfused kidneys, and lower incidence of delayed graft function after kidney transplant. Cluster 2 had higher 5-year death-censored graft failure (5.2% vs. 9.8%; p < 0.001), patient death (3.4% vs. 11.4%; p < 0.001), but similar one-year acute rejection (4.7% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.63), compared to cluster 1; Conclusions: Machine learning clustering approach successfully identified two clusters among non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients with distinct phenotypes that were associated with different outcomes, including allograft loss and patient survival. These findings underscore the need for individualized care for non-U.S. citizen kidney transplant recipients.

Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients.

It remains controversial whether to extend the course of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We conducted a study to investigate the benefits and risks of applying DAPT for different durations after PCI in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients in China. What's more, we explored the efficacy of extended DAPT regimen based on ticagrelor. This single-center prospective cohort study used data obtained from the PHARM-ACS Patient Registration Database. We included all patients who were discharged between April and December 2018. All patients had at least 18 months of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of DAPT: a 1-year group and a >1-year group. Potential bias between the two groups was adjusted for by propensity score matching using logistic regression. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke occurring from 12 months after discharge to follow-up visit. The safety endpoint was any significant bleeding event (BARC ≥ 2). Of 3,205 patients enrolled, 2,201 (68.67%) had DAPT prolonged beyond one year. A total of 2,000 patients were successfully propensity score-matched; patients who received DAPT > 1-year (n = 1000), compared with DAPT = 1-year patients (n = 1000), had a similar risk of MACCE (adjusted HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05-1.10) and significant bleeding events (adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-1.24). The DAPT > 1-year group had a higher risk of revascularization (adjusted HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.64-6.87). Prolonged DAPT may not be of sufficient benefit to ACS patients within 12-18 months after the index PCI to offset the increased risk of significant bleeding events.

His-Purkinje system pacing reduced tricuspid regurgitation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery.

Tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery was a common and difficult problem. Atrial fibrillation was considered to be an important etiology of tricuspid regurgitation. His-Purkinje system pacing (HPSP) was a physiological pacing method, which could prevent and treat heart failure and might reduce tricuspid regurgitation. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of HPSP on tricuspid regurgitation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery. This study was a retrospective study. The 3-year patient review focused on those who underwent permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation of HPSP after mitral valve and/or aortic valve replacement from Jan 1st, 2019 to Jan 1st, 2022. HPSP included His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). Clinical data collected included electrocardiogram, pacing parameters, ultrasonic cardiogram parameters and chest x-ray at implantation and 3-month follow up. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis of tricuspid regurgitation velocity were performed. A total of 44 patients was retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients who had undergone implantation of HPSP after left-sided heart valve replacement were enrolled in the study. All patients had persistent atrial fibrillation. Three of them received HBP and five underwent LBBP. At 3-month follow-up, the tricuspid regurgitation grade was significantly lower than that before implantation (P = 0.007). The tricuspid regurgitation velocity significantly decreased (317 ± 74 cm/s vs. 261 ± 52 cm/s, P = 0.022) and tricuspid valve pressure gradient (PG) reduced (42 ± 21 mmHg vs. 28 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.040). The cardiothoracic ratio of patients was significantly lower than that before implantation (0.61 ± 0.08 vs. 0.64 ± 0.09, P = 0.017). The NYHA classification of patients also improved (P = 0.013). In multivariate liner regression analysis, the pacing ratio (β = 0.736, P = 0.037) was an independent determinant of tricuspid regurgitation velocity variation. HPSP might reduce tricuspid regurgitation and improve cardiac function in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery.

Pronóstico a largo plazo de la extensión de la TAPD en una cohorte consecutiva de pacientes con IAMCEST

Introduction and objectivesDual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a matter of debate. MethodsWe analyzed the effect of DAPT on 5-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular readmission or mortality in a cohort of 1-year survivor STEMI patients. ResultsA total of 3107 patients with the diagnosis of STEMI were included: 93% of them were discharged on DAPT, a therapy that persisted in 275 high-risk patients at 5 years. Cardiovascular mortality in patients on single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT at 5 years was 1.4% vs 3.6% (P <.01), respectively, whereas noncardiovascular mortality was 3.3% vs 5.8% (P=.049) at 5 years. Cardiovascular readmission or mortality in patients with single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT was 11.4% vs 46.5% (P <.001). Extended DAPT was independently associated with worse 5-year all-cause mortality (HR, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.40-3.33), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.83; 95%CI, 1.37-5.84), and cardiovascular readmission or mortality (HR, 5.20; 95%CI, 3.96-6.82). These findings were confirmed in propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting analyses. ConclusionsOur results suggest the hypothesis that, in 1-year STEMI survivors, extending DAPT up to 5 years in high-risk patients does not improve their long-term prognosis.

March 2021 New Kidney Allocation: How Did the New Changes Affect the Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant Outcomes?

Given the shortage of kidney donations relative to the ever-increasing demand, there is an ongoing need to utilize available donor organs efficiently and fairly. The purpose of the deceased donor Kidney Allocation System is to optimize and equalize organ access for candidates nationwide. We investigated the outcomes of kidney transplant cases before and after the new allocation placement in March 2021 and the effect of the new allocation system on these outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the recipients. Outcomes in recipients of renal allografts were compared before and after the changes in March 2021 to the Kidney Allocation System. There were 333 (73.7%) renal allografts transplanted before the 2021 new allocation, and 119 (26.3%) recipients received their renal allografts after the new allocation. The rate of delayed graft function was 33.3% in the preallocation group and 38.65% in the postallocation group (P = .29). The rate for patient readmission within 30 days was compared between the groups and did not show a statistically significant difference (37.8% vs 39.5%; P = .75). The 1-year graft survival rate was 97.5% in the postallocation group and 95.5% in the preallocation group (P = .526). The 1-year patient survival rate was 98.3% in the postallocation group and 95.8% in the preallocation group (P = .499). This study provides reassurance in finding no statistically significant differences between patient outcomes before and after the implementation of the March 2021 change to the Kidney Allocation System. However, the new allocation measures would help for a more equal distribution of the kidneys.

Paper 12: Elite Female Athletes Demonstrate Comparable Improvement in Midterm Patient Reported Outcome Scores and Rate of Return to Sport Compared to Elite Male Athletes After Hip Arthroscopy: A Sex-Based Comparison in Professional and Collegiate Athletes

Objectives: (1) To report minimum 5-year patient reported outcome scores (PROs) and continuation of sport for elite female athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and (2) to compare clinical results with a matched control group of elite male athletes. Methods: Data on all consecutive elite female athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy performed by the senior author (X.X.X.) between March 2009 and March 2016 were collected. Patients were eligible if underwent hip arthroscopy for labral tears or FAI and participated at a collegiate or professional level within 1 year of surgery. Minimum 5-year PROs were collected for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The rates of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) were also recorded. These athletes were propensity-matched to elite male athletes for comparison. Results: Sixty-five elite female athlete hips were included in the study. Elite female athletes had an average follow-up time of 67.6 ± 6.5 and age of 24.3 ± 6.8. When propensity-matched to a control group of elite male athletes, female athletes demonstrated lower preoperative PRO scores and comparable minimum 5-year post-op scores, improvement between preoperative and minimum 5-year scores, and continuation of sport rate. Conclusions: Elite female athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAI demonstrated significant improvement in PROs and high rates of CTS which were similar to a propensity-matched group of elite male athletes. [Figure: see text][Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life After Fenestrated Endovascular Repair for Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR) has become a widely used treatment option for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) but long-term survival and quality of life (QoL) outcomes are scarce. This single center cohort study aims to evaluate both long-term survival and QoL after FEVAR. All juxtarenal and suprarenal AAA patients treated with FEVAR in a single-center between 2002 and 2016 were included. QoL scores, measured by the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), were compared with baseline data of the SF-36 provided by RAND. A total of 172 patients were included at a median follow-up of 5.9years (IQR 3.0-8.8). Follow-up at 5 and 10years post-FEVAR yielded survival rates of 59.9% and 18%, respectively. Younger patient age at surgery had a positive influence on 10-year survival and most patients died due to cardiovascular pathology. Emotional well-being was better in the research group as compared to baseline RAND SF-36 1.0 data (79.2 ± 12.4 vs 70.4 ± 22.0; P < 0.001). Physical functioning (50 (IQR 30-85) vs 70.6 ± 27.4; P = 0.007) and health change (51.6 ± 17.0 vs 59.1 ± 23.1; P = 0.020) were worse in the research group as compared to reference values. Long-term survival was 60% at 5-years follow-up, which is lower than reported in recent literature. An adjusted positive influence of younger age at surgery was found on long-term survival. This could have consequences for future treatment indication in complex AAA surgery but further large-scale validation is necessary.

A Prospective Analysis of the SVS WIfI Classification System to Stratify Immediate and 1-Year Patient Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to prospectively enroll patients that presented to the emergency department with a lower extremity infection, stratify risk and record outcomes. Risk stratification was performed based on the Society of Vascular Surgery Wound, foot Infection, and Ischemia (WIfI) classification system. This study aimed to establish the efficacy and validity of this classification in predicting patient outcomes during immediate hospitalization and throughout a 1 year follow up. A total of 152 patients were enrolled in the study and of these, 116 met the inclusion criteria and had at least 1 year of follow up for analysis. Each patient was assigned a WIfI score based on wound, ischemia, and foot infection severity according to the classification guidelines. Patient demographics as well as all podiatric and vascular procedures were recorded. The major end points of the study were rates of proximal amputation, time to wound healing, surgical procedures, surgical dehiscence, readmission rates, and mortality. A difference in rates of healing (p=.04), surgical dehiscence (p < .01), and 1 year mortality (p=.01) with increasing WIfI stage as well as across the individual component scores was noted. This analysis further supports the application of the WIfI classification system early during patient care to stratify risk and identify the need for early intervention and a multispecialty team approach to potentially improve outcomes in the severe multicomorbid patient.

The best insulin delivery is a human pancreas.

We wanted to compare glycemic control post pancreas transplantation with newer therapeutic options. We conducted a retrospective analysis of pancreas transplantation at our institution from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2021. All patients who underwent pancreatic transplantation were 18years and older. We compared pre-transplant glycemic control of those patients, whether self-monitoring or continuous glucose monitor to their post-transplant glycemic control. Outcomes were assessed by HgbA1C level at evaluation (eval), pretransplant (pre), within the first 5months posttransplant (post) and 1year post transplant (1year). One hundred and thirty-four patients underwent pancreas transplantation during the 14-year study period. Overall, 1-year patient and graft survival were 95% and 88%. The mean HgbA1C (%) for eval and pre were 8.5(SD±1.7) and 8.3(SD±1.7), which was significantly higher than post, and 1year at 5.1(SD±.6, p<.01) and 5.2(SD±.6, p<.01). Of those, 38 patients presented with continuous glucose monitors (CGM) +/- pump. Their mean HgbA1C(%) was 8.2(SD±1.5) at eval 8.1(SD±1.3). These were also significantly higher than post 5.0(SD±.6, p<.01), and 1year 5.1(SD±.5, p<.01). Pancreas transplant provides superior glycemic control to continuous glucose monitoring and remains the optimal therapy for appropriately selected patients with diabetes.

Increased Platelet Activation demonstrated by Elevated CD36 and P-Selectin Expression in 1-Year Post-Recovered COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated hypercoagulability and platelet hyperactivity are characteristic of COVID-19 infection and contribute to an increased thrombotic burden. This clinical phenomenon is observed during acute illness and the immediate post-recovery period. In addition to findings of hypercoagulability, endotheliopathy, and inflammation from our previous study of 39 COVID-19 survivors at a time point approximating 1 year after their recovery from COVID-19,[1] we evaluated the platelet activation profile of a subset of 36 patients, demonstrating increased platelet activation with elevated CD36 and P-selectin expression compared with healthy individuals without COVID-19 infection.

1-Year Outcomes of Lung Transplantation for Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated End-Stage Lung Disease in the United States.

Lung transplantation can provide quality of life and survival benefits for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated end-stage lung disease. Characteristics and outcomes of these lung transplant recipients are limited to mostly single-center experiences or provide a short-term follow-up. Characteristics of deceased donors and adult lung transplant recipients for COVID-19-associated end-stage lung disease between August-2020 and June-2022 were analyzed using deidentified United Network for Organ Sharing database. Post-transplant patient survival of COVID-19 recipients was analyzed and compared with non-COVID-19 recipients. Secondary outcomes were length of hospitalization, post-transplant complications, and rates of organ rejection. During the study period, 400 lung transplants for COVID-associated end-stage lung disease comprised 8.7% of all lung transplants performed in United States. In the COVID-19 group, Hispanic males received lung transplants at significantly higher rates. The COVID-19 group was younger and had greater need for intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and receipt of antibiotics pre-lung transplant. They had higher lung allocation score, with a shorter wait-list time and received more double lung transplants compared with non-COVID-19 recipients. Post-transplant, the COVID-19 cohort had longer hospital stays, with similar 1-year patient survival (COVID, 86.6% vs non-COVID, 86.3%). Post-transplant, COVID-19-associated deaths were 9.2% of all deaths among lung transplant recipients. Lung transplantation offers a effective option for carefully selected patients with end-stage lung disease from prior COVID-19, with short-term and long-term outcomes similar to those for lung transplant recipients of non-COVID-19 etiology.

Peritoneal dialysis outcomes in a tertiary-level state hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Ethnicity and HIV co-infection do not increase risk of peritonitis or discontinuation.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a valuable means to increase access to kidney replacement therapy in South Africa (SA). An increased rate of modality discontinuation related to an increased risk of peritonitis in patients of black African ethnicity, in those with diabetes and in those living with HIV has previously been suggested, which may lead to hesitancy in adoption of 'PD first' programmes. To analyse the safety of a PD-first programme in terms of 5-year peritonitis risk and patient and modality survival at the outpatient PD unit at Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg. After exclusions, clinical data from 120 patients were extracted for analysis. The effects of patient age at PD initiation, ethnicity, gender, diabetes mellitus and HIV infection on patient and modality survival and peritonitis risk were analysed using Cox proportional hazards modelling and logistic regression analysis. Five-year technique and patient Kaplan-Meier survival curves for peritonitis and comorbidity groups were compared using the Cox-Mantel test. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables where appropriate. Five-year patient survival was 49.9%. Black African ethnicity was associated with reduced mortality hazard (hazard ratio (HR) 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 - 0.71; p=0.004), and patients with diabetes had poorer 5-year survival (19.1%; p=0.097). Modality survival at 5 years was 48.1%. Neither Black African ethnicity nor HIV infection increased the risk of PD discontinuation. Peritonitis was associated with increased modality failure (HR 2.99; 95% CI 1.31 - 6.87; p=0.009). Black African ethnicity did not increase the risk of peritonitis. HIV was not independently associated with an increased risk of peritonitis. Patient and PD survival were generally similar to other contemporaneous cohorts, and the peritonitis rate in this study was within the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis acceptable range. PD is a safe and appropriate therapy in a low socioeconomic setting with a high prevalence of HIV infection. Consideration of home circumstances and training in sterile technique reduce peritonitis risk and improve PD modality survival. Patients with diabetes may be at risk of poorer outcomes on PD.

A national assessment of one-year heart outcomes after the 2018 adult heart allocation change.

On 10/18/2018 the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) implemented modifications to adult heart allocation to better stratify the most medically urgent candidates by WL mortality. This paper reviews two years of post-policy monitoring with focus on post-transplant outcomes, especially for recipients with MCSDs. Cohorts of WL additions and recipients pre (10/18/16-10/17/18) and post (10/18/18-10/17/20) policy implementation were compared using the OPTN database. Competing risks analyses of waitlist mortality and Kaplan-Meier one-year post-transplant survival were performed by medical urgency statuses and policy era. Similar analyses were performed for subsets of candidates and recipients on devices. Pre-implementation status 1A candidates had the highest cumulative incidence of removal from the waitlist due to death or too sick to transplant and the highest cumulative incidence of transplant, followed by statuses 1B and 2. Median time to transplant decreased from 226 to 85 days for those transplanted. There was no difference in one-year patient survival (pre=91.3% [90.2, 92.4]; post=91.8% [90.8, 92.9]; p=0.44) overall, or for recipients transplanted with an LVAD (pre=91.7% [90.1, 93.2]; post=91.4% [89.7, 93.2]; p=0.85) or IABP (pre=91.7% [88.1, 95.4]; post=92.1% [90.1, 94.0]; p=0.92). The policy improved stratification of the most medically urgent candidates according to risk of death on the WL with decreased median wait times, higher transplant rates and no observed adverse effect on 1-year patient survival. No adverse effects for candidates listed or transplanted on IABP, ECMO, or LVAD were observed.

Combined Revascularization and Free Flap Reconstruction for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Combined revascularization and free flap reconstruction is one treatment method for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with complex wounds. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the characteristics of this combined procedure and to assess postoperative outcomes. A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science for studies between January 2000 and February 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis for postoperative outcome was conducted. Fifteen articles encompassing 1,176 patients with 1,194 free flaps were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative assessment. Our meta-analysis showed the following complication rates for short-term postoperative outcomes: 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18-53%; I 2 = 74%) for reoperation, 13% (95% CI, 2-24%; I 2 = 0%) for vascular thrombosis, 9% (95% CI, 0-17%; I 2 = 0%) for total flap failure, 8% (95% CI, 0-17%; I 2 = 0%) for partial flap failure, 4% (95% CI, 0-10%; I 2 = 0%) for amputation, and 3% (95% CI, 0-9%; I 2 = 0%) for 30-day mortality. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year limb salvage rates were 86% (95% CI, 78-92%), 81% (95% CI, 68-88%), and 71% (95% CI, 53-83%), respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 93% (95% CI, 90-96%), 92% (95% CI, 77-97%), and 75% (95% CI, 50-88%), respectively. Combined revascularization and free flap reconstruction for CLTI with complex wounds was clearly effective for the long-term outcomes. However, this combined procedure should be considered on the assumption that the reoperation rate is high and that flap-related complications rate may be higher than lower extremity reconstruction of other etiologies.

Preoperative Oswestry Disability Index Cannot Reliably Predict Patient Satisfaction After Single and Double Level Lumbar Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Surgery.

The role of patient-reported outcomes in preoperative assessment is not well studied. There is recent interest in studying whether Patient-reported outcomes scores can be used either independently, or in conjunction with clinical findings, in the assessment of patients for surgery. To investigate if improvement in clinically significant scores correlate with post-operative patient satisfaction in 1-2 level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. We also aim to define a threshold Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) which correlate with achieving post-operative MCID and patient satisfaction. 1001 patients who underwent single or double level TLIF (Minimally invasive and Open) in our institution with at least 2years follow up were included in this study. We studied self-reported measures including patient satisfaction and ODI score. At 2-year follow-up, the overall mean ODI score improved from 49.7 ± 18.3 to 13.9 ± 15.2 (P < 0.001) with 74.6% of patients meeting the MCID. Patient satisfaction was achieved in 95.3% of all patients. In the MIS group, the preoperative cut-off was determined to be 37.2 at maximal Youden index associated with AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.86). In the open group, the preoperative cut-off was determined to be 37.2 at maximal Youden index associated with AUC of 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77). Using the preoperative cut-offs found, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction in both MIS and open groups. Overall, our patients undergoing TLIF had good 2-year ODI score improvement and patient satisfaction after surgery. While meeting the MCID for ODI score correlates with patients' satisfaction postoperatively, 75% of patients not meeting the MCID for ODI score remained satisfied with the surgery. We are unable to define a threshold pre-operative ODI which correlates with achieving post-operative MCID and patient satisfaction.