Contraindications Research Articles

SUBSTANTIATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF "PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER" IN UKRAINE

Professional staff is needed for the effective functioning of health fitness. There are no professional standards for fitness staff in Ukraine, so there is no single standardized approach to determining the list of job functions, general and special competencies, the required knowledge, skills and practical abilities. The purpose of the study is to substantiate and develop a professional standard of "Personal Fitness Trainer" taking into account international experience. Methods: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodical literature, pedagogical observation, functional analysis, documentary method, method of expert evaluations, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The development of a professional standard for "Personal Fitness Trainer" was based on regulatory acts and the algorithm formed for the health fitness system. There have been identified 60 necessary labor actions which ensure the performance of 9 labor functions of a fitness trainer. The professional standard takes into account the needs of employers, consumer requirements and will be the basis for the industry standard of higher education in the relevant specialty. Conclusions. The developed professional standard for "Personal fitness trainer" is relevant, complies with regulatory acts and established algorithm, adapted to the system of fitness. The expediency of developing a professional standard "Personal fitness trainer" was based on the study of the actual state and prospects of application of fitness staff. The professional standard provides requirements for the content and quality of professional activity; list of general competencies; requirements for the level of qualification, medical contraindications to work, work experience, level of education of a fitness trainer; a list of labor functions and labor actions and the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities; list of subjects and means of work and definition of professional competencies, etc. The professional standard "Personal fitness trainer" should be the basis for the industry standard of higher education in the relevant specialty.

Impact of Age on the Occurrence of Vascular Complications in Patients Undergoing Anterior Lumbar Approach Surgery.

Retrospective cohort study. To investigate the impact of age on the incidence of vascular complications in patients undergoing anterior lumbar approach surgery. Anterior approach lumbar spinal surgery may facilitate the use of intervertebral devices with larger endplate coverage and increased lordosis. Despite the advantages of this approach, risks related to vascular injury in older patients have been described in the literature. In total, 751 consecutive patients with degenerative spinal pathology who underwent stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), ALIF combined with posterior fusion and/or instrumentation (360), total disc replacement, or hybrid procedures (ALIF and total disc replacement) were included. Data collected included general patient descriptive data, surgery details, intraoperative vascular injury, and postoperative vascular complications (deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism). Rates of vascular complications were compared across age groups. In addition, the mean age of patients was compared between those with versus without vascular complications. Overall mean age was 50.4 years (range: 20-83 yr). The mean estimated blood loss was 91.3mL (range: 10-2800mL). A total of 15 patients, 2.0%, had vascular complications. There were 10 cases (1.3%) of intraoperative injury to iliac arteries or iliolumbar veins (mean blood loss was 721mL, and all were repaired intraoperatively). Postoperatively, 6 patients (0.8%) developed deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (one patient had both). With respect to age, there were no significant differences in rates of intraoperative, postoperative, or combined vascular complication rates across the age group ( P > 0.38). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean ages of patients with versus those without vascular complications ( P > 0.17). Overall incidence of vascular complications was 2.0%. No relationship between vascular complications and age was demonstrated. These data suggest that increased age may not necessarily be an absolute contraindication for anterior lumbar approach surgery. Level III.

Regarding the employment of persons with disabilities

The article examines the performance indicators of the program objectives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regarding the realization of the right to work for persons with disabilities. Based on a comparison of employment rates for persons with disabilities in Ukraine and the European Union, a conclusion is drawn about the need to achieve the declared indicators and to adopt European practices for the inclusion of such individuals in labour relations. The article analyses the provisions of the Laws of Ukraine «On the Fundamentals of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities» and «On Psychiatric Assistance» concerning the procedure for fulfilling employment quotas for persons with disabilities. Attention is drawn to their inconsistencies and the necessity of harmonizing their content. The article addresses problematic aspects of realizing the right to work for persons with disabilities who have been legally recognized as incapable. It presents statements from scholars and legislative provisions that define the legal labour capacity of persons with disabilities who have been declared legally incapable. It is argued that the legal basis for the inability of such individuals to exercise their constitutional right to work, due to incapacity, can be interpreted as discrimination against them from a certain perspective. It is emphasized that implementing employment support programs for persons with mental and intellectual disabilities is one way to reduce their discrimination and violations of their labour rights, counteract their stigma, and prevent social isolation. To enable persons with disabilities suffering from mental disorders, including those legally declared incapacitated, to exercise their right to work, it is proposed to introduce supported employment mechanisms. The article underscores the necessity of the principle of equal pay for equal work. It substantiates the possibility of engaging persons with disabilities who have been declared incapacitated in labour activities based on an employment integration agreement. Such a mechanism could effectively replace labour rehabilitation, which is one of the forms of individual rehabilitation. It is argued that such activities can only be carried out in the absence of medical contraindications to the person performing a certain type of work. The need to ensure these employees’ rights to remuneration, rest, and other benefits is emphasized. The article analyses the provisions of the draft law on social protection of persons with disabilities concerning the types of social enterprises. The article suggests the possibility of employing persons with disabilities who have been declared incapacitated at sheltered employment enterprises provided for by this draft law.

Medication Extraction and Drug Interaction Chatbot: Generative Pretrained Transformer-Powered Chatbot for Drug-Drug Interaction

ObjectiveTo assist individuals, particularly cancer patients or those with complex comorbidities, in quickly identifying potentially contraindicated medications when taking multiple drugs simultaneously. Patients and MethodsIn this study, we introduce the Medication Extraction and Drug Interaction Chatbot (MEDIC), an artificial intelligence system that integrates optical character recognition and Chat generative pretrained transformer through the Langchain framework. Medication Extraction and Drug Interaction Chatbot starts by receiving 2 drug bag images from the patient. It uses optical character recognition and text similarity techniques to extract drug names from the images. The extracted drug names are then processed through Chat generative pretrained transformer and Langchain to provide the user with information about drug contraindications. The MEDIC responds to the user with clear and concise sentences to ensure the information is easily understandable. This research was conducted from July 2022 to April 2024. ResultsThis streamlined process enhances the accuracy of drug-drug interaction detection, providing a crucial tool for health care professionals and patients to improve medication safety. The proposed system was validated through rigorous evaluation using real-world data, reporting high accuracy in drug-drug interaction identification and highlighting its potential to benefit medication management practices considerably. ConclusionBy implementing MEDIC, contraindicated medications can be identified using only medication packaging, and users can be alerted to potential drug adverse effects, thereby contributing to advancements in patient care in clinical settings.

8282 A Diagnostically Challenging Case of Ectopic ACTH Secreting Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Presenting with Cushing’s Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: O.A. Aluko: None. S. Patel: None. S.V. Silparshetty: None. T. Gallagher: None. Introduction: Ectopic ACTH mediated Cushing’s syndrome is an uncommon but treatable condition that poses time constrained diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to severe morbidity as illustrated by our case below. Clinical case:A 65-year-old male was admitted with profound generalized weakness. He became restricted to wheelchair from being able to hike a trail at Yosemite national park 8 weeks prior. Recent history included hospitalization with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, new vertebral compression fractures, AKI, hypokalemia, proximal myopathy, anasarca, upper GI bleed and acute upper extremity DVT. Initial testing there revealed hypercortisolemia, elevated ACTH and a normal pituitary MRI. Further workup at our center revealed elevated 24hr urinary cortisol 2598 (n = 5 - 64 μg/24hr), random cortisol 55 (n= 4.2 -22.4 μg/dL) with elevated ACTH 194 (n= 7.2 - 63.3 pg/mL) consistent with ACTH dependent hypercortisolism. IPSS deferred due to AKI, underlying comorbidities and severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy. ACTH and cortisol remained elevated with an 8mg dexamethasone suppression test suggesting ectopic source ACTH. CT with contrast of chest, abdomen and pelvis showed 5mm right lower lobe lung nodule and bilateral adrenal nodularity. Bronchoscopic FNAC was negative for NET.Ketoconazole 400 mg twice daily was started pending localization of culprit lesion with improvement in 24 hr urinary cortisol to 554μg/24 hr however this was stopped within 4 weeks due to acute transaminasemia. Repeat imaging with Gallium-68 dotatate PET CT showed a 1.8 X 2.4 X 1.7 cm pancreatic mass. He underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Pathology confirmed a 2.2cm well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor limited to the pancreas with immunohistochemistry strongly for ACTH and weakly for Gastrin. Postoperatively, patient was given hydrocortisone replacement. ACTH was 14.3 pg/mL and cortisol 6.2μg/dL a few weeks later. His diabetes, hypertension, hypokalemia, transaminasemia and proximal myopathy improved. Discussion:Ectopic ACTH mediated Cushing’s syndrome is responsible for about 5 - 20% of all Cushing’s syndrome cases. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor secreting Ectopic ACTH is rarer but can be aggressive. Clinical presentation can be confounding due to secretion of >1 neurohormone i.e ACTH and Gastrin in our patient. Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT tracer has a very high sensitivity and specificity. Early use of this imaging may prevent comorbidity and mortality as surgical resection of ectopic ACTH secreting neuroendocrine tumor is first line therapy. Other diagnostic principles to consider are that severely elevated ACTH levels correlate only with a pituitary macroadenoma, IPSS is invasive and has relative contraindication in sick patients and Desmopressin stimulation test is not widely available. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8443 Incretin-Mimetic Therapy In Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis - A Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: A. Iqbal: None. U. Alwahab: None. Introduction The use of incretin-mimetic therapy (IMT), which includes human glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, in patients with a history of pancreatitis is controversial. While clinical trials have demonstrated a slightly increased incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients on IMT, it is unclear if patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)-induced pancreatitis areat similar risk. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and HTG, control of diabetes and improvement of metabolic profile using IMT could decrease the risk of HTG-induced pancreatitis. Case Description We report a case of a patient with diabetes and a history of HTG-induced pancreatitis where IMT was successfully used without precipitation of AP. Patient A is a 44-year-old male with obesity (BMI 38.25 kg/m2 ), T2D, and severe HTG associated with recurrent episodes of AP. His triglyceride (TG) level has ranged from 983 to >4,000 mg/dL. He is on fenofibrate, icosapent ethyl, and rosuvastatin. His last hospitalization for acute pancreatitis was 3months prior. His most recent hemoglobin A1c is 7.4%, TG is 302mg/dL, and he is being treated with glipizide, metformin, empagliflozin, and multiple daily injections of insulin. For management of his obesity and T2D, he is then started on tirzepatide, in conjunction with diet and lifestyle modification, which is slowly up-titrated to 7.5 mg weekly. After 12 months of tirzepatide treatment, he has lost 10 lbs, his A1C is now 5.9%, triglycerides have improved to 172 mg/dL, and he has had no precipitation of AP. Discussion While a history of pancreatitis is a relative contraindication to the use of IMT, attention should be paid to the cause of pancreatitis. Obesity and uncontrolled diabetes are frequent triggers of AP. IMT helps improve metabolic profile in patients with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia, thus decreasing triglyceride levels and preventing further episodes of AP as seen in our patient. The use of IMT in patients with a history of AP should be done on an individualized basis. Controlling the trigger for the AP (such as hypertriglyceridemia) should be prioritized and shared medical decision-making with the patient should be done regarding the benefits and risks of IMT. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Evaluation of ciliary body cysts in candidates for phakic lens implantation

PurposePhakic lens implantation in the ciliary sulcus of the eye can be complicated by coincident ciliary body cysts (CBC). We developed an ultrasound imaging and mapping protocol for these cysts.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of all patients who underwent ICL workup at a single institution from April 2015 to October 2019. A standardized ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) imaging protocol was developed to screen for CBCs in either the ciliary body or sulcus. The locations and dimensions of all CBCs were graphically represented.ResultsThe prevalence of CBCs in 158 patients undergoing ICL workup was 34.8%. Among the 159 CBCs detected in 55 patients, 83 were in the sulcus (52%) and 76 were restricted to the ciliary body (48%). ICLs were implanted in 40 eyes with CBCs and 3 eyes with CBCs located within the sulcus horizontally required ICL repositioning due to ICL rotation or iris chafing.ConclusionCBCs were incidentally found in 34.8% of patients undergoing ICL workup. ICL implantation was complicated in 3 of the eyes with CBCs in the horizontal sulcus. Although CBCs are not an absolute contraindication for ICL surgery, we recommend preoperative UBM screening of the ciliary sulcus.

Comparison of patients who meet criteria for surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus those who actually get rib fixation: A single center review

BackgroundSurgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has shown benefits for rib fracture patients. However, the incidence of SSRF performed remains low. We compare our institution's rib fracture patients meeting criteria for SSRF versus those actually receiving the operation, hypothesizing a significant portion are not undergoing SSRF. MethodsA retrospective review of rib fracture patients presenting to our Level 1 trauma center from 1/2016 to 4/2023. Patients were categorized as those who met SSRF inclusion criteria versus those who didn't based on the 2023 Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) SSRF Guidelines. Basic demographics were obtained. Patients meeting SSRF criteria were divided into those who received SSRF versus those who didn't. Outcomes of interest included type and frequency of SSRF indications and frequency of absolute/relative contraindications. Descriptive statistics were used. Median test and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 3,432 patients presented with ≥1 rib fracture(s). Of those, 1,573(45.8 %) met SSRF inclusion criteria. These patients were predominantly male, with mean age of 57.4(±18.5) and a similar Injury Severity Score but significantly higher chest-Abbreviated Injury Score of 3 (Interquartile range 3,4)(p = 0.048). Only 458(29.1 %) patients underwent SSRF, leaving 1,115(70.9 %) managed non-operatively, of which 215(19.3 %) were ventilated and “failure to wean from the ventilator” was the most common (81.4 %) indication for SSRF. Of the 900(80.7 %) non-ventilated patients managed non-operatively, 659 (69.9 %) had ≥two indications for SSRF, 382(34.3 %) had zero relative contraindications and 394(35.3 %) had one relative contraindication for SSRF. Lastly, 52.6 % of patients in this cohort had reported “clicking/popping” of their fractures. ConclusionOnly 29.1 % of patients meeting criteria for SSRF had the operation based on data from our institution. There may be additional opportunity to benefit this cohort of patients meeting SSRF criteria but not undergoing surgery.

Age Does Not Impact Cancer Specific Mortality: From Sub-Distributional and Cause-Specific Hazard Analysis in RCC Patients Undergoing Radical Nephrectomy and Thrombectomy

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of age on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy (RNTx) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous thrombus. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 196 patients who underwent RNTx for RCC with venous thrombus between 1990 and 2018 at a single tertiary referral center. Patients were categorized into three age groups: <60, 60-69, and ≥70 years. The cumulative incidence function (CIF) for CSM and OCM was calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator, and hazard ratios (HR) from sub-distributional hazard (SDH) and cause-specific hazard (CSH) models were employed to assess the impact of age on mortality. ResultsThe median follow-up was 40.5 months. Of the 196 patients, 105 experienced disease progression, 125 had cancerrelated deaths, and 155 died from any cause. Perioperative outcomes, including ICU admission, 90-day readmission, and 90-day mortality, were similar across age groups. The CIF for 5-year CSM differed significantly among age groups (p = 0.032), though this difference was not observed at 10 years. OCM increased significantly with age, particularly in the ≥70 group at 10 years (p = 0.045). Multivariable SDH and CSH models showed no significant differences in CSM between age groups. ConclusionWhile age was associated with increased OCM, it did not significantly impact the hazard of CSM. Older age alone should not be considered a contraindication for surgical intervention in RCC with venous thrombus.

Recurrent atrial flutter after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing repetitive transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy

IntroductionWe described the clinical characteristics of a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who had undergone transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy (TASH) twice and developed atrial flutter after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) due to pulmonary vein reconnection. This case of HOCM is unique because of its complex complications and multiple complex atrial arrhythmias. The treatment of HOCM was successful and the postoperative follow-up results was good.Methods and resultsA 71-year-oldfemale, developed exertional dyspnea with palpitations 12 years ago, with a valid diagnosis of HOCM according to the echocardiography which showed an absolute increase in the interventricular septum thickness (22.8 mm). She underwent two rounds of TASH and only the second round was successful. During a visit due to recurrent palpitations, the patient was diagnosed with AF based on electrocardiographic examination. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) was performed to treat AF. However, the recurrence of atrial flutter was detected on her electrocardiograms (ECGs) three years after the operation. Since the patient had an interstitial lung injury, there were relative contraindications for antiarrhythmic drugs. Due to restrictive use of antiarrhythmic drugs and continuous palpitation, the patient agreed to receive a second radiofrequency ablation. Left-sided macroreentrant circuits were identified via high-density mapping and successful ablation was performed at the isthmus.ConclusionsPerforming catheter ablation and TASH respectively in patients with HOCM associated with AF would be tricky. But taking such a comprehensive and respective clinical treatment would be beneficial to patients in the long term.

Exploring the Intersection of Blood Transfusion and Same-Day Computed Tomography Imaging: An Overview of Clinical Risks and Practices.

The use of transfusions, whether involving whole blood or specific blood components, is essential for managing various clinical conditions. Many cases are acute, often requiring post-transfusion imaging evaluation. While there is no absolute contraindication for chest imaging following blood transfusion, it should be approached cautiously. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases and registries. Research studies were limited to full-text original articles, reviews, and case reports published in English, involved human subjects, and focused on the interplay between blood transfusions and contrast-enhanced imaging. Scientific analyses were excluded if they did not focus on transfusion practices in the context of imaging or failed to address issues such as hemoglobin thresholds, transfusion reactions, or the clinical implications of contrast agents. Our research fills this gap by emphasizing the need for a cautious, multidisciplinary approach to post-transfusion computed tomography (CT) scans, especially in the presence of contrast agents. This study calls for increased awareness of the heightened risk of complications, such as autoimmune hemolysis, when both procedures are performed together. New insights from our research recommend individualized assessments and close patient monitoring when combining these interventions. Nevertheless, patients need to be hemodynamically and clinically stable before undergoing CT. Discussions. Symptoms that develop within the first 24 h post-transfusion are classified as secondary post-transfusion reactions unless proven otherwise. The prevalence of side effects from same-day CT scans and blood transfusions is challenging to quantify, as few studies focus on this combination. Transfusions and contrast-enhanced CT scans share overlapping adverse reactions and carry significant risks. Acute hemolytic red blood cell transfusion reactions are among the most frequent side effects, with a prevalence of 1:12,000-38,000. Conclusion. Our study contributes new insights to the literature by filling the gap concerning the interplay between transfusions and contrast media, paving the way for more informed clinical protocols to enhance patient safety.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction and Radiotherapy: Consensus Report of the German-Speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM)

Autologous postmastectomy breast reconstruction is associated with favourable long-term clinical outcomes and superior patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) compared with implant-based reconstruction. However, adjuvant radiotherapy has traditionally been considered a relative contraindication to immediate flap-based reconstruction due to its unpredictable effects on the reconstructive outcome. While modern adjuvant postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has been able to significantly reduce acute and chronic radiation-induced complications, plastic surgeons still hesitate to offer immediate autologous reconstruction to patients expected to undergo adjuvant radiotherapy. More recently, evidence has emerged suggesting a paradigm shift in favour of immediate autologous reconstruction despite subsequent radiotherapy. At the 44th Annual Meeting of the German-speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM) in Bern, Switzerland, a workshop discussed the literature on PMRT and autologous breast reconstruction, aiming to establish consensus among the participants. Several areas of agreement were identified, including the goals of postmastectomy reconstruction, specifically the creation of a soft and sensitive breast symmetrical in shape and size to the unaffected breast via the safest procedure possible. The importance of preserving the maximum amount of native breast skin envelope through skin- and nipple-sparing approaches was emphasised. Finally, a consensus was reached that PMRT should no longer be considered a contraindication to immediate autologous breast reconstruction.

Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Crohn Disease: Absolute Contraindication or Grey Area with Pink and Purple Polka Dots?

Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Crohn Disease: Absolute Contraindication or Grey Area with Pink and Purple Polka Dots?

Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for advanced and recurrent cervical cancer: final analysis according to bevacizumab use in the randomized KEYNOTE-826 study

In KEYNOTE-826 (NCT03635567), pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (± bevacizumab) significantly improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. This exploratory analysis examined outcomes in patient subgroups defined by bevacizumab use. Eligible adult patients had persistent, recurrent, or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma of the cervix not previously treated with chemotherapy and not amenable to curative treatment; measurable disease per RECIST v1.1; and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1. Patients were randomized 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks or placebo for up to 35 cycles plus chemotherapy (± bevacizumab 15 mg/kg). Dual primary endpoints were OS and PFS per RECIST v1.1 by investigator assessment. Outcomes were assessed in subgroups defined by bevacizumab use. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were based on a stratified Cox regression model. 617 patients were randomized (pembrolizumab arm, n=308 [63.6% with bevacizumab]; placebo arm, n=309 [62.5% with bevacizumab]). The most common reason for bevacizumab exclusion was medical contraindication (75.9%). Among patients who received bevacizumab, HRs (95% CIs) for PFS favored the pembrolizumab arm in the PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 (0.56 [0.43-0.73]) and all-comer (0.57 [0.45-0.73]) populations; OS results were 0.60 (0.45-0.79) and 0.61 (0.47-0.80), respectively. Among patients who did not receive bevacizumab, HRs (95% CIs) for PFS also favored the pembrolizumab arm in the PD-L1 CPS≥1 (0.61 [0.44-0.85]) and all-comer (0.69 [0.50-0.94]) populations; OS results were 0.61 (0.44-0.85) and 0.67 (0.49-0.91), respectively. Among patients who received bevacizumab, grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 74.0% of patients in the pembrolizumab arm and 66.8% in the placebo arm. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy prolonged PFS and OS and had manageable safety compared with placebo plus chemotherapy in patient subgroups defined by bevacizumab use.

Comparative Study for the Outcome of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis in Comparison to Patients without Portal Vein Thrombosis

Abstract Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relative contraindication in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We monitored the outcome of adult patients with PVT in comparison to patients without PVT in LDLT. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort study. LDLTs that was performed at Liver Transplantation Unit in Air Forces Specialized Hospital and Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt, between July 2019 to July 2020 were evaluated. 176 cases were divided into two groups according to presence of PVT, group A included 55 recipients who had PVT compared to group B including 121 recipients without PVT. Results In our study (N = 176), postoperative PV complications was recorded in 11 cases (6.3%). Five case in each group had postoperative PVT (9.8% versus 4.1%) respectively and a single case of PV stenosis (0.8%) was documented in non-PVT group. All patients who develop early postoperative PV (n = 3/10) complications unfortunately died because of it, unlike those who developed late PV complications, their one year survival rate was 70% of cases (n = 7/10) and the overall mortality rate in patients developed PV complications was 40%; 4 out of 10 cases. Conclusion PVT is established not to be a contraindication for liver transplantation but needs complex procedures and sophisticated techniques and Surgeons should be aware with these techniques to restore adequate portal flow in transplant for recipients with PVT.

Histopathologic Remission of Severe Diabetic Nephropathy of Donor Kidney After Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

Although diabetes is not an absolute contraindication for kidney donation, donor kidneys with severe diabetic nephropathy (DN) are frequently discarded. Current experience with the use of donor kidneys with severe DN is limited. Herein, we report a case of deceased donor kidney with Renal Pathology Society (RPS) classification scheme class III DN transplanted to a female recipient without post-operative hyperglycemia. Although kidney allograft biopsy still showed class III DN at 6 months, it turned to RPS class IIa DN combined with chronic antibody-mediated rejection at 4.5 years and 9 years. At the last follow-up approximately 10 years after transplantation, the patient's serum creatinine was 2.27 mg/dl. Our case indicates that with careful selection of potential recipients, favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved even with donor kidneys with severe DN. Thus, RPS class III diabetic donor kidneys deserve further evaluation and should not always be discarded.

Safety and efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of early pulmonary embolism after thoracic surgery.

The incidence and mortality rates of early pulmonary embolism (PE) after thoracic surgery are high. Thrombolytic therapy is the basic treatment of PE. The aim of this study is to explore the safety and efficacy of thrombolytic therapy for patients with early postoperative PE. Data of forty patients excluding three patients with sudden death were analyzed. The included patients were divided into: thrombolysis + anticoagulation (group A, 21 cases) and anticoagulation (group B, 16 cases). Twenty patients had esophageal cancer and 17 had lung tumors. Bleeding, drainage volume, pulmonary infection, and perioperative mortality were compared between the groups. Factors related to perioperative mortality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. The mortality rates of group A (19.0%) and B (81.3%) differed significantly. No massive hemorrhage or significant drainage volume differences were observed. Group A's D-dimer (D-D) level decreased, group B's D-D level increased, and was significantly different between after surgery and on the fourth day of treatment. Group B's partial oxygen pressure was significantly different between the third and fourth day of treatment, it gradually increased in group A, and remained unaltered in group B. Multivariate logistic regression supported a significant survival rate improvement. Thrombolytic therapy is safe and effective for PE early after thoracic surgery in the absence of absolute contraindications for anticoagulation and thrombolysis, and it can reduce mortality in patients.

Experience and Results of Liver Transplantation in Patients With Alagille Syndrome at Our Center.

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder with multisystemic involvement. Patients with Alagille syndrome have many accompanying anomalies such as atypical facial appearance, posterior embryotoxon, butterfly vertebra, cardiac anomalies, and biliary problems. Liver and heart complications can determine the mortality and morbidity of patients with Alagille syndrome. The scarcity of intrahepatic bile ducts leads to cholestatic liver damage. In the heart, although the disease most commonly causes peripheral pulmonary stenosis, patients can present with various structural heart diseases. These cardiac anomalies make intraoperative and postoperative management difficult in patients who need liver transplant. Here, we present 10 cases of liver transplant due to Alagille syndrome. From 1988 to the present, our center performed 724 liver transplants, with 366 being pediatric cases; among these, 10 were due to Alagille syndrome. We retrospectively examined patient morphological findings, cardiac pathology, and perioperative complications. Average weight and age of patients were 11 kg and 4.9 years, respectively. Eight patients had atypical facial appearance, 5 had posterior embryotoxon, and 6 had butterfly vertebra. Portoenterostomy (Kasai procedure) was performed in 3 patients because of suspicion of early biliary atresia. Cardiac pathology was present in 8 patients, with peripheral pulmonary stenosis being the most common (present in 8 patients). One patient had cardiac catheterization, with right ventricular and pulmonary artery pressures measured at 110 and 37 mm Hg, respectively. Two patients required preoperative pulmonary angioplasty. Two patients had double superior vena cava. No complications occurred in any patient during the anhepatic phase with appropriate volume replacement. No patients had early mortality. Cardiac anomalies should be identified in patients with Alagille syndrome to minimize complications before liver transplant. If necessary, cardiac catheterization should be performed for pulmonary stenosis. Peripheral pulmonary stenosis does not constitute an absolute contraindication to liver transplant.

Osteoporosis May Not Be an Absolute Contraindication for Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundCementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has received growing interest, particularly in younger populations, due to potential long-term survivability and improved bone preservation. Poor bone stock, as seen in osteoporosis, is considered a contraindication for this technique. This study evaluated whether osteoporotic patients < 75 years undergoing cementless TKA demonstrate similar: 1) implant-related complications, 2) medical complications, 3) readmission rates, and 4) 3-year implant survivability. MethodsA retrospective query of a national administrative claims database was performed between 2010 and 2022 for patients less than or equal to 75 years old who have osteoporosis and underwent primary TKA. Osteoporotic patients were divided into cementless and cemented cohorts, and propensity scores were matched based on age, sex, obesity, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Matching produced 7,923 patients (1,321 uncemented, 6,602 cemented). Multivariate logistic regressions evaluated the following outcomes: 90-day and 2-year implant-related complications, 90-day postoperative medical complications, and 90-day readmissions. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to assess 3-year all-cause revision implant survivability. The significance threshold was set to P < 0.01 to minimize type 1 bias. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in implant-related complications, medical complications, readmissions, and lengths of stay between cementless and cemented TKA groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated statistically similar 3-year survivability between cohorts (cemented: 97.6%, confidence interval 96.6 to 98.5; cementless: 97.2%, confidence interval 96.7 to 97.7; P = 0.472). ConclusionsPatients who have osteoporosis have equivalent medical and implant-related complications as well as 3-year implant survival following cementless TKA compared with a cemented technique. Our results support cementless TKA as a viable option for patients < 75 years, regardless of prior diagnosis of osteoporosis. Intraoperative decisions regarding bone quality are still necessary to discriminate between those who are candidates for cementless TKA with those who are not. Level of EvidenceLevel III, Retrospective cohort study.

Medical Suitability and Willingness for Living Kidney Donation Among Older Adults

Rationale & ObjectiveThe benefits of kidney transplantation compared to treatment with dialysis, including in older adult, are primarily limited by the number of donated kidneys. We studied the potential to expand the use of older living kidney donors. Study DesignSecondary analysis of the Berlin Initiative Study, a population-based cohort. Setting& Participants: 2069 adults aged ≥70 years in Germany. ExposuresAge and sex. OutcomesSuitability for living donation assessed by the absence of kidney-related exclusions for donation including albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as absence of other medical exclusions. Willingness for living and deceased kidney donation assessed by participant survey. Analytical ApproachDescriptive analysis. ResultsAmong the 2069 participants (median age 80 years, 53% women, median eGFR 63 ml/min/1.73m2), 93% had ≥1 medical contraindication for living donation at study entry unrelated to eGFR or albuminuria. Using two published eGFR and albuminuria thresholds for donor acceptance, 38% to 54% of participants had kidney-related exclusions for donation. Among the 5% to 6% of participants with neither medical nor kidney-related exclusions for living donation at baseline, 11% to 12% remained suitable for donation during 8 years of follow-up. Willingness for living or deceased donation was high (73% and 60%, respectively). LimitationsGFR was not measured and medical exclusions unrelated to eGFR and albuminuria were assessed using a cohort database complemented by claims data. ConclusionsOne in twenty older adults were potentially suitable for living kidney donation and willingness for living donation was high. Further studies are warranted to define the feasibility of expanding living kidney donation among older adults.