3-month Outcome Research Articles

Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Suicide Outcomes in Transgender and Gender Diverse Young Adults

Objective Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations have a higher prevalence of suicide outcomes compared to cisgender peers. Further, among TGD groups, young adults frequently demonstrate a higher risk compared to other age cohorts. While evidence supports sociodemographic differences in suicide risk, these relationships are not well-established for TGD young adults. Method A secondary data analysis of the young adult (18–24 years) subpopulation of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey was conducted. Predicted probabilities of 12-month and lifetime suicide outcomes by gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, homelessness, and poverty were estimated comparing fully adjusted models. Results Gender identity, race/ethnicity, and homelessness were significantly associated with all suicide outcomes. Comparisons of gender identities were significant for all outcomes and varied based on the outcome. American Indian/Alaska Native TGD young adults had the highest predicted probabilities compared to other race/ethnicity groups. Further, having a heterosexual/straight sexual identity was among the lowest predicted probabilities for suicide outcomes and significantly differed from several of the other sexual identities. Conclusions Findings underscore the importance of heterogeneity among TGD young adults and the need for intersectional research within this population. Elucidating sociodemographic characteristics that contribute to differential suicide risk is necessary for effective intervention strategies and policy advocacy.

Ultrasound guided platelet rich plasma injections for post-traumatic greater occipital neuralgia following concussion: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Treatment for post-traumatic greater occipital neuralgia (GON) includes serial injections of steroid/anesthetic. While these injections can alleviate pain, effects can be transient, frequently lasting only 1 month. As a potential alternative, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an emerging biological treatment with beneficial effects in peripheral nerve disorders. We investigated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a single PRP injection for post-traumatic GON in comparison to saline or steroid/anesthetic injection. In this pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 32 adults with post-traumatic GON were allocated 1:1:1 to receive a single ultrasound-guided injection of (1) autologous PRP (2) steroid/anesthetic or (3) normal saline. Our primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, attendance, retention) and safety (adverse events). Exploratory measures included headache intensity and frequency (daily headache diaries) and additional questionnaires (headache impact, and quality of life) assessed at pre-injection, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-injection. We screened 67 individuals, 55% were eligible and 95% of those participated. Over 80% of daily headache diaries were completed with 91% of participants completing the 3-month outcome questionnaires. No serious adverse events were reported. There were no significant differences between groups for headache intensity or frequency. Headache impact on function test-6 scores improved at 3 month in the PRP (β = -9.7, 95% CI [-15.6, -3.74], p = 0.002) and saline (β = -6.7 [-12.7, -0.57], p = 0.033) groups but not steroid/anesthetic group (p = 0.135). PRP is a feasible and safe method for treating post-traumatic GON with comparable results to saline and steroid/anaesthetic. Further trials with larger sample sizes are required.Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04051203.

Acute astrocytic reaction is associated with 3-month functional outcome after stroke treated with endovascular therapy

Acute astrocytic reaction is associated with 3-month functional outcome after stroke treated with endovascular therapy

Association Between Adherence to a 3-Month Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Japanese Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) completion and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). This retrospective cohort study included 834 patients with CIED who participated in CCR, which included a cardiopulmonary exercise test or 6-min walk test. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, predicted peak oxygen uptake ≤80%, or B-type natriuretic peptide level ≥80pg/mL were eligible. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. After excluding 241 patients with duplicate records and 69 who underwent CCR in the outpatient department, the data of 524 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 64±15yr, 389 (74%) patients were men, left ventricular ejection fraction was 31±15%, and 282 (54%) patients had a history of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Of the patients referred for CCR, 294 (56%) completed the program, and an additional 230 patients started but did not complete CCR. Over a 3.7-yr median follow-up period, all-cause mortality occurred in 156 (30%) patients. Completers had lower all-cause mortality rates than non-completers (log-rank 15.77, P <.001). After adjusting for prognostic baseline characteristics, completers had 58% lower all-cause mortality risks than non-completers (HR=0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.64, P <.001). Three-mo CCR program completion was associated with lower mortality risks in patients with CIED. New programs or management methods are needed to decrease mortality risks, especially for those who cannot complete CCR programs.

Diagnosis and Management of Simple and Complicated Meconium Ileus in Cystic Fibrosis, a Systematic Review.

The early management of neonates with meconium ileus (MI) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly variable across countries and is not standardized. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024522838). Studies from three providers of academic search engines were checked for inclusion criteria, using the following search terms: meconium ileus AND cystic fibrosis OR mucoviscidosis. Regarding the patient population studied, the inclusion criteria were defined using our predefined PICOT framework: studies on neonates with simple or complicated meconium which were confirmed to have cystic fibrosis and were conservatively managed or surgically treated. Results: A total of 566 publications from the last 10 years were verified by the authors of this review to find the most recent and relevant data, and only 8 met the inclusion criteria. Prenatally diagnosed meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites on ultrasound are predictors of neonatal surgery and risk factor for negative 12-month clinical outcomes in MI-CF newborns. For simple MI, conservative treatment with hypertonic solutions enemas can be effective in more than 25% of cases. If repeated enemas fail to disimpact the bowels, the Bishop-Koop stoma is a safe option. No comprehensive research has been conducted so far to determine the ideal surgical protocol for complicated MI. We only found three studies that reported the types of stomas performed and another study comparing the outcomes of patients depending on the surgical management; the conclusions are contradictory especially since the number of cases analyzed in each study was small. Between 18% and 38% of patients with complicated MI will require reoperation for various complications and the mortality rate varies between 0% and 8%. Conclusion: This study reveals a lack of strong data to support management decisions, unequivocally shows that the care of infants with MI is not standardized, and suggests a great need for international collaborative studies.

Second-dose intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase in alteplase-resistant medium-vessel-occlusion strokes: A retrospective and comparative study.

In intracranial medium-vessel occlusions (MeVOs), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) shows inconsistent effectiveness and endovascular interventions remains unproven. We evaluated a new therapeutic strategy based on a second IVT using tenecteplase for MeVOs without early recanalization post-alteplase. This retrospective, comparative study included consecutively low bleeding risk MeVO patients treated with alteplase 0.9 mg/kg at two stroke centers. One center used a conventional single-IVT approach; the other applied a dual-IVT strategy, incorporating a 1-h post-alteplase MRI and additional tenecteplase, 0.25 mg/kg, if occlusion persisted. Primary outcomes were 24-h successful recanalization for efficacy and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for safety. Secondary outcomes included 3-month excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1). Comparisons were conducted in the overall cohort and a propensity score-matched subgroup. Among 146 patients in the dual-IVT group, 103 failed to achieve recanalization at 1 h and of these 96 met all eligible criteria and received additional tenecteplase. Successful recanalization at 24 h was higher in the 146 dual-IVT cohort patients than in the 148 single-IVT cohort patients (84% vs 61%, p < 0.0001), with similar sICH rate (3 vs 2, p = 0.68). Dual-IVT strategy was an independent predictor of 24-h successful recanalization (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.52-4.88]; p < 0.001). Dual-IVT cohort patients achieved higher rates of excellent outcome (69% vs 44%, p < 0.0001). Propensity score matching analyses supported all these associations. In this retrospective study, a dual-IVT strategy in selected MeVO patients was associated with higher odds of 24-h recanalization, with no safety concerns. However, potential center-level confounding and biases seriously limit these findings' interpretation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05809921.

Can conservative treatment be effective for thoracolumbar injuries patients with TLICS scores of 4 or 5? An analysis of initial radiological findings and clinical risk factors for treatment failure

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the outcomes of conservative management in patients with thoracolumbar fractures classified with a Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score of 4 or 5, and to analyze initial imaging findings and clinical risk factors associated with treatment failure.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, patients with thoracolumbar fractures and a TLICS score of 4 or 5, determined through MRI from January 2017 to December 2020, were included. Patients undergoing conservative treatment were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (treatment success) and Group 2 (treatment failure), based on initial and 6-month follow-up outcomes. Clinical data were compared between the two groups. Initial radiological assessments included three kyphosis measurements (Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index [SI]), anterior and posterior wall height, and central canal compromise (CC). Additionally, risk factors contributing to treatment failure were analyzed.ResultsThe conservative treatment group comprised 84 patients (mean age, 60.25 ± 15.53; range 22–85; 42 men), with 57 in Group 1 and 27 in Group 2. Group 2 exhibited a higher proportion of women, older age, and lower bone mass density (p = 0.001–0.005). Initial imaging findings in Group 2 revealed significantly greater values for Cobb angle, SI, and CC (p = 0.001–0.045 or < 0.001; with cutoff values of 18.2, 12.8, and 7.8%, respectively), and lower anterior wall height (p = 0.001), demonstrating good to excellent interobserver agreement (0.72–0.99, p < 0.001). Furthermore, osteoporosis was identified as a significant risk factor (odds ratio = 5.64, p = 0.008).ConclusionAmong patients with TLICS scores of 4 or 5, those experiencing conservative treatment failure exhibited unfavorable initial radiological findings, a higher proportion of women, advanced age, and osteoporosis. Additionally, osteoporosis emerged as a significant risk factor for treatment failure.

Quality of life following repair of large hiatal hernia is not influenced by the use of mesh-Longer-term follow-up from a randomized trial.

The use of prosthetic mesh in laparoscopic repair of large hiatus hernias remains controversial. Clinical and quality of life outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of mesh versus suture repair previously showed few differences at early follow-up. This study evaluated longer-term quality of life outcomes from that trial. A prospective, multicentre, double blind randomized controlled trial assessed three methods of repair for large hiatus hernias: sutures-only versus absorbable mesh versus non-absorbable mesh. Quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire which was completed preoperatively and then at 3, 6, 12months following surgery and annually thereafter. SF-36 outcomes were compared across the three repair techniques at longer-term follow-up (3-6years), and to earlier baseline and 12-month outcomes. 126 patients were randomized; 43-suture-only, 41-absorbable mesh and 42-non-absorbable mesh. Questionnaires were completed by 118 patients preoperatively, 115 at 12months and 98 at longer-term follow-up (median 5years). There were no significant differences between the repair techniques for the subscale and composite scores at longer-term follow-up. The mental component score improved significantly after surgery and was sustained across follow-up for all techniques. The physical component score also improved significantly but was lower at longer-term follow-up compared to the 12-month follow up in both mesh groups. Surgical repair of large hiatus hernias provides sustained long-term improvement in quality of life. The addition of mesh does not improve quality of life. This trial is registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12605000725662.

Location of the contrast extravasation is important in predicting outcome of anterior circulation stroke patients

Objectives: Contrast extravasations (CE) are frequently seen on postprocedural computed tomography after endovascular therapy (EVT). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patients’ outcomes and CE after EVT. Methods: Stroke patients who had received EVT between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The CEs were mapped using MRIcroGL software. The rate of in-hospital mortality and modified Rankin Scale at 90 days were taken as outcome measures. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed. Three models were created with and without pure CE to predict the patients’ outcomes. Results: There were 126 patients included in the study. According to the univariable analysis, CE (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.18–2.68, P = 0.26) and CE-ASPECTS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI=0.60-2.44, P = 0.57) were not related with in-hospital mortality after EVT. The lesion mapping showed that the most common CE locations among the patients with a poor prognosis was the M6 area. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that CE in the M6 area (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 1.27–144.92, P = 0.006) increased the risk of a 3-month poor outcome. The study showed that adding CE to the well-known risk factors for poor prognosis improves the predictive power of the models (ΔAUC of 0.07, P = 0.02). Conclusion: CE has a prognostic value after EVT in anterior stroke patients. The prognostic value is the highest when present in the M6 area.

Do Racial and Ethnic Disparities Exist in Intensity of Intracranial Pressure-Directed Therapies and Outcomes Following Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

Studies suggest disparities in outcomes in minoritized children after severe traumatic brain injury. We aimed to evaluate for disparities in intracranial pressure-directed therapies and outcomes after pediatric severe traumatic brain injury. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Approaches and Decisions for Acute Pediatric TBI (ADAPT) Trial, which enrolled pediatric severe traumatic brain injury patients (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8) with an intracranial pressure monitor from 2014 to 2018. Patients admitted outside of the United States were excluded. Patients were categorized by race and ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and "Other"). We evaluated outcomes by assessing mortality and 3-month Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended for Pediatrics. Our analysis involved parametric and nonparametric testing. A total of 671 children were analyzed. Significant associations included older age in non-Hispanic White patients (P < .001), more surgical evacuations in "Other" (P < .001), and differences in discharge location (P = .040). The "other" cohort received hyperventilation less frequently (P = .046), although clinical status during Paco2 measurement was not known. There were no other significant differences in intracranial pressure-directed therapies. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with lower mortality (P = .004) but did not differ in unfavorable outcome (P = .810). Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended for Pediatrics was less likely to be collected for non-Hispanic Black patients (69%; P = .011). Our analysis suggests a general lack of disparities in intracranial pressure-directed therapies and outcomes in children after severe traumatic brain injury. Lower mortality in Hispanic patients without a concurrent decrease in unfavorable outcomes, and lower availability of Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended for Pediatrics score for non-Hispanic Black patients merit further investigation.

COVID-19 profiles in general practice: a latent class analysis

BackgroundGeneral practitioners (GPs) were on the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak. Identifying clinical profiles in COVID-19 might improve patient care and enable closer monitoring of at-risk profiles.ObjectivesTo identify COVID-19...

Influence of urethral mucosa preservation of prostatic apex during monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate on postoperative functional outcomes: A retrospective comparative study

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and functional outcomes of monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (m-TURP) without and with the preservation of urethral mucosa at the prostatic apex. Materials and methods: In a retrospective study from June 2018 to June 2020, 53 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who undertook m-TURP were included in the study. The patients who underwent conventional m-TURP were considered group A (n = 26) and those who were operated by m-TURP with preserved prostate apex were considered group B (n = 27). Preoperative and operative parameters, postoperative complications, urinary incontinence (UI), postoperative 6-month functional outcomes including International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function score, and peak flow rates (Q max) were assessed and compared between groups. Results: All preoperative parameters were similar in both groups without significant differences (P &gt; 0.05). In group A, the mean operative time was significantly longer (40.59 ± 5.20 versus 33.84 ± 4.44 minutes), and intraoperative blood loss was significantly more (305 ± 63.4 versus 212.5 ± 65 mL) than in group B and both were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.0001, respectively). Group B had significantly lower urge UI compared with group A (0% versus 23%; P = 0.008). Six-month follow-up data showed that the International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function score, and Q max were improved in both groups with no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that preservation of urethral mucosa at the prostatic apex can be associated with a lower incidence of early postoperative urge UI, less operative blood loss, and shorter operative length, thus improving surgical efficiency.

36-Month Outcomes of Ahmed ClearPath® Glaucoma Drainage Device in Severe Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Ahmed ClearPath® (ACP) 250 mm2 glaucoma drainage device (GDD) in managing refractory primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This was a retrospective case series focused on adult patients diagnosed with severe POAG who underwent implantation of an ACP GDD. Over a 36-month follow-up period, data on intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, and complications were recorded. The primary objectives were to assess the reductions from baseline in both IOP and medication usage, through 36 months. Secondary objectives included the proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction of ≥ 20% from baseline at 36 months. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also assessed. Twelve eyes from 11 patients (mean age: 71.3 ± 14.1 years) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. All patients had severe POAG (n=11), with the majority being Caucasian (n=8) and female (n=10). The mean (standard deviation) IOP and number of glaucoma medications at baseline were 29 (7.6) mmHg and 3 (0.9), respectively. At 36 months, mean IOP was reduced to 10.6 (5.5) mmHg (-61.8%; p= 0.0008) and mean number of medications was reduced to 0.9 (0.9) (-71.4%; p=0.0005), with 88.9% of eyes achieving an IOP reduction by ≥20%. No vision threatening complications were observed. To our knowledge this is the first study to report 36-month outcomes of the novel ACP device in the treatment of refractory POAG. The safety profile and efficacy of the ACP was found to be comparable to that of other commonly utilized GDD models.

Understanding the Mechanical Forces on the Sacrum Can Help Optimize Flap-based Pilonidal Sinus Reconstruction.

Pilonidal sinus can be treated with excision and flap reconstruction, but treatment is often complicated by wound dehiscence, infection, and recurrence. Understanding the mechanical forces on the sacrococcygeal area during posture change could help guide optimal flap choice. Sixteen volunteers underwent measurements of skin-stretching, pressure, and shear stress on the sacrum when sitting relative to standing. Skin-stretching was measured by drawing a 4 × 4 cm square on the sacrum and measuring the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal axes. Pressure and shear stress was measured at six sacral points with a device. The data analysis highlighted the potential of the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap for dissipating mechanical forces. Ten pilonidal sinus cases treated with SGAP flaps were retrospectively reviewed for 6-month outcomes. Sitting is associated with high stretching tension in the horizontal direction [estimated marginal mean (95% confidence intervals) = 17.3% (15.4%-22.6%)]. The lower sacrum experienced the highest pressure [106.6 (96.6-116.5) mm Hg] and shear stress [11.6 (9.7-13.5) N] during sitting. The transposed SGAP flap was deemed to be optimal for releasing the horizontal tension and providing sufficient subcutaneous tissue for ameliorating pressure/shear stress during sitting. It also has high blood flow and can therefore be used with large lesions. Moreover, its donor site is above the high-pressure/stress lower sacrum. Retrospective analysis showed that no patients experienced complications. Sitting is associated with high mechanical forces on the sacrococcygeal skin. The transposed SGAP flap may ameliorate these forces and thereby reduce the risk of complications of pilonidal sinus reconstruction for large defects.

Endovascular Thrombectomy Versus Intravenous Thrombolysis of Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke.

Posterior cerebral artery occlusion (PCAo) can cause long-term disability, yet randomized controlled trials to guide optimal reperfusion strategy are lacking. We compared the outcomes of PCAo patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to patients treated with IVT alone. From the multicenter retrospective Posterior cerebraL ArTery Occlusion (PLATO) registry, we included patients with isolated PCAo treated with reperfusion therapy within 24 hours of onset between January 2015 and August 2022. The primary outcome was the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Other outcomes comprised 3-month excellent (mRS 0-1) and independent outcome (mRS 0-2), early neurological improvement (ENI), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The treatments were compared using inverse probability weighted regression adjustment. Among 724 patients, 400 received EVT+/-IVT and 324 IVT alone (median age 74 years, 57.7% men). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 7, and the occluded segment was P1 (43.9%), P2 (48.3%), P3-P4 (6.1%), bilateral (1.0%), or fetal posterior cerebral artery (0.7%). Compared to IVT alone, EVT+/-IVT was not associated with improved functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-1.43). EVT increased the odds for ENI (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.49, 95% CI 1.05-2.12), sICH (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.23-6.72), and mortality (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.07-2.95). Despite higher odds for early improvement, EVT+/-IVT did not affect functional outcome compared to IVT alone after PCAo. This may be driven by the increased risk of sICH and mortality after EVT.

Renal function affects the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy patients.

Acute ischemic stroke poses a significant health threat, and thrombectomy has become a routine treatment. Tirofiban has emerged as a promising adjunct therapy to minimize reocclusion after thrombectomy. We aimed to investigate whether renal function influences the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in patients undergoing endovascular therapy. Patients' clinical data collected from the stroke unit were analyzed. The modified Rankin scale score and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were used as outcome measures. A total of 409 patients (mean age: 66.5 years, 292 males [71.4%]) were included. Tirofiban significantly improved 3-month functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.408, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.120-5.175), reduced 3-month mortality (aOR = 0.364, 95% CI 0.155-0.856), and decreased the incidence of sICH (aOR = 0.339, 95% CI 0.149-0.767) in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m². However, no significant improvement in prognosis was observed with tirofiban in patients with eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Interaction analysis suggested a potential influence of renal function on tirofiban efficacy. Renal function may impact the efficacy of tirofiban. Administration of tirofiban in direct thrombectomy patients with normal renal function is safe and improves prognosis. However, the prognostic benefits of tirofiban are limited in patients with impaired renal function.

Outcomes and safety of endovascular treatment from 6 to 24 hours in patients with a pre-stroke moderate disability (mRS 3): a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundApproximately 30% of patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion have pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores ≥2. We aimed to investigate the safety and...

Vasoreactivity and inhaled treprostinil response in interstitial lung disease pulmonary hypertension

IntroductionDespite shared features with pulmonary arterial hypertension, acute vasoreactivity in pulmonary hypertension with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) is not well characterized, including its potential ability to predict therapeutic outcomes. We sought to determine if acute vasoreactivity in PH-ILD to oxygen (O2) and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) predicts inhaled treprostinil (iTre) outcomes.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective cohort analysis, we identified treatment-naïve PH-ILD patients with vasoreactivity testing using O2 and O2+iNO. Six-month iTre outcome was assessed. “iTre improvement” required fulfillment of criteria on objective assessment without clinical worsening. “iTre failure” was defined by lack of objective improvement or a clinical worsening event.ResultsAmong 75 PH-ILD patients, mPAP decreased by −3 mmHg (−12.6%) and PVR by −1.3WU (−23.7%) with O2+iNO. With O2+iNO, mPAP decreased ≥10 mmHg to &lt;40 mmHg in 4 patients (5.3%), and 23 (30.7%) had ≥20% reduction in mPAP and PVR. Among 33 iTre-treated patients, there were 13 improvements and 20 failures. The microvascular response, measured by distensibility, to O2 aloneversusO2+iNO correlated with 6-month iTre outcome. Patients with 6-month iTre improvement had large relative distensibility increases with O2+ iNO (versusfailure, 76.0%versus15.3%, p=0.004). Conversely, iTre failure was associated with increased distensibility with O2 alone (versusimprovement, 26.8%versus−3.9%, p=0.045).ConclusionsIn PH-ILD, the microvascular response to O2versusO2+iNO testing was associated with six-month iTre outcome, likely reflecting the differential contributions of hypoxic vasoconstriction and remodeling. Acute vasoreactivity may inform therapeutic decision-making in PH-ILD.

Tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft, with or without cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: 12-month outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

This study evaluated the influence of the adjunctive application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions, using a modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) (MCAT+SCTG±HA). A randomized, split-mouth, double-masked comparison of the effects of MCAT+HA+SCTG (test) versus MCAT+SCTG (control) in the treatment of multiple, contralateral gingival recessions with clinical, esthetic, and histological evaluations was carried out. All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Verhoeff-Van Gieson, and Alcian blue stain for semiquantitative evaluation. The primary outcome variable was 12-month mean root coverage (MRC). Twenty-four patients with 266 gingival recessions received both control and test treatments (133 recessions per group). 12-month MRC of the MCAT+HA+SCTG group was not significantly different from the MCAT+SCTG group with 84.32%±34.46% and 85.71%±36.43%, respectively (p=0.991). Both treatment modes produced favorable esthetic outcomes (root coverage esthetic score [RES] 9.51±1.01 tests vs. 9.26±1.10 controls, p=0.7292). However, the application of HA improved soft tissue texture (p=0.0091). The remaining end point measures did not differ significantly between groups. Histological evaluation showed a significantly greater number of elastic fibers and a moderate increase in collagen fiber density in biopsy samples taken from the test sides when compared to the control sides (p=0.0419 and p=0.300, respectively). MCAT+SCTG is an effective procedure in the treatment of multiple recession Type 1 (RT1) and RT2 recessions. There were no statistically significant differences in evaluated clinical treatment outcomes in the MCAT+HA+SCTG group compared to the MCAT+SCTG group within a period of 12 months. The application of HA increased collagen and elastic fiber density.

Association of Polyp Regression after Loading Phase with 12-Month Outcomes of Eyes with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

We compared 12-month outcomes of eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with or without complete regression of polyps observed one month after three monthly intravitreal administrations (loading phase) of aflibercept (2.0 mg/0.05 mL) or brolucizumab (6.0 mg/0.05 mL). All patients underwent indocyanine green angiography at both baseline and 3 months after initial injection and were followed up monthly with an as-needed regimen for up to 12 months. A total of 62 patients with PCV were included: 30 eyes were treated with brolucizumab, and 32 were treated with aflibercept. Eyes with complete regression of polyps (regression group) had significantly smaller maximum polyp diameter and were more frequently treated with brolucizumab than those without complete regression (non-regression) group. Best corrected visual acuity was comparable between the two groups at 12 months. Although the 12-month retreatment-free proportion was comparable between the two groups (33.0% versus 27.0%, p = 0.59), a retreatment-free period was significantly longer in the regression group than in the non-regression group (8.3 ± 3.3 versus 6.5 ± 3.6 months, p = 0.022), and the number of additional injections was significantly fewer in the regression group than in the non-regression group (1.2 ± 1.2 versus 3.0 ± 2.6, p = 0.007). Complete regression of polyps observed after the initial phase possibly prolongs the retreatment-free period and reduces the number of additional injections irrespective of aflibercept or brolucizumab.