Azienda Ospedaliera Research Articles

How a Novel Approach of Allergy Call Center Improved the Management of the Anti-COVID Vaccination Campaign in Piedmont: Italy.

The anti-COVID vaccination campaign has led to a significant increase in the demand for allergology consultations in patients considered at risk of reaction to anti-COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to describe the experience of the vaccination campaign held in Piedmont (Italy) which developed a new service of Allergy Call Center (ACC) thus providing for the screening and management of allergy high-risk patients during pandemic. A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients considered at high risk for the development of allergic reactions who were referred by the Immunology and Allergy Unit of Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano in Turin, Italy, between December 2020 and December 2022 and also on ACC consultations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Piedmont Region instituted the ACC, active from May 10th, 2021 to December 31st 2022, to allow vaccinating doctors to require a telephonic consultation for patients who were considered at high risk for the development of allergic reactions. If further diagnostic evaluations were required, the ACC scheduled a visit with a Consultant of the Unit to better assess the clinical situation of the patient. Furthermore, patients referred by General Practitioners, Occupational Doctors and other consultants were also evaluated by the Unit when required. During the operational period the ACC received a total of 15,865 calls and referred only 336 patients to the unit (27.4% of the total referrals), while General Practitioners referred 499 patients (40.8%), Occupational Doctors referred 61 patients (4.9%), and other consultants referred 326 patients (26.6%). Evaluation and management of a large volume of requests seemed to be facilitated by a proactive framework for screening patients at high risk for allergic reactions as the ones referred by our ACC. This approach led to a prominent decrease in allergological visits to our tertiary care Centre, reducing the waiting times and providing additional support for both patients and healthcare providers, thus allowing the vaccinations to be more easily handled.

Role of ultra-processed foods in modulating the effect of Mediterranean diet on human and planet health—study protocol of the PROMENADE randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet (MD), globally recognized for its sustainability and health benefits, traditionally emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods in raw or minimally processed forms. However, shifting lifestyles, even in Mediterranean regions, have led to an increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Epidemiological evidence suggests that UPF consumption may be detrimental to human health, but there is only one clinical trial on this topic which is largely debated in the scientific community. This study aims to investigate the impact of the inclusion of UPF within a Mediterranean-based dietary pattern on cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, and other markers of human and planet health.MethodsFifty clinically healthy individuals showing overweight and presenting a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile will be recruited for a 7-month randomized, open, cross-over dietary trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a 3-month high-UPF MD (intervention group) or a low-UPF MD (control group), with a 1-month wash-out period. Both intervention diets will have identical food group compositions, with the intervention group consuming 5 servings/day of selected UPF items, and the control group consuming raw/minimally processed items from the same food group. Blood, urine, and fecal samples, alongside food/lifestyle diaries, will be collected from each participant before and after the dietary interventions. The primary endpoint will be the change in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels from baseline. Additional markers include blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, chemical parameters, glucose and lipid-related metabolic markers, incretins, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, fecal microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids. Finally, food waste production will be evaluated through specific validated food diaries. The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Milan and the Tuscany Regional Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) - Careggi, Florence.DiscussionResults from the PROMENADE study will improve knowledge about the impact of UPF consumption on human and planet health and will contribute to the scientific debate on this topic.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06314932. Registered on March 13, 2024.

From applicator-based (Paris system) implantations to rhinoseptoplasty: the concept of anatomic implantation for interventional radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule. Short term results in a monoinstitutional series

Aim: Interventional radiotherapy (IRT) is being increasingly advocated as the standard treatment for the primary lesion in nasal vestibule squamous cell carcinoma (NV-SCC). The respect of the anatomical planes of the nose tip during implantation has been hypothesized to reduce the classical IRT toxicities on the cartilages, such as septal and even alar perforations. The present work describes a monoinstitutional series of NV-SCC treated with an IRT technique that follows the above principle (anatomical implantation), with a focus on IRT toxicities. Methods: All consecutive patients with nasal vestibule (NV) carcinoma treated between March 2022 and October 2023 with IRT on the primary lesion at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Sassari and Mater Olbia Hospital were included. Results: A total of 15 patients were treated with IRT following the principles of anatomical implantation. The only treatment-related toxicity observed has been the mechanical damage to the skin from the buttons used to stabilize the plastic tubes. Conclusion: IRT with anatomical implantation allows a high nose preservation rate and very good cosmetic results, which appear to be decisive advantages in comparison with traditional surgery, while confirming comparable effectiveness from an oncological point of view. However, in the present series, we describe typical skin toxicity that may have a negative impact on cosmetic results. We propose a new strategy involving the use of a soft medium such as a sponge to protect the skin from damage.

Study protocol for Near-infrared molecular imaging for lung cancer detection and treatment during mini-invasive surgery (phase II Trial) - (the RECOGNISE study)

Introduction. To date, radical surgery remains the best curative option in patients with early-stage lung cancer. In patients with small lung lesions, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) should be increasingly chosen as a fundamental alternative to thoracotomy as it is associated with less postoperative pain and better quality of life. This scenario necessarily increases the need for thoracic surgeons to implement new localization techniques. The conventional near-infrared (NIR) indocyanine green (ICG) method demonstrated a significant limitation in deep cancer recognition, principally due to its intrinsic low-depth tissue penetration. Similarly, the lymph-node sentinel approach conducted by the ICG method was demonstrated to be inefficient, mainly due to the non-specificity of the tracker and the irregular pathway of pulmonary lymph node drainage. Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cetuximab- IRDye800CW in marking lung nodules and mediastinal lymph nodes. Methods and analysis. This study is defined as an open-label, single-arm, single-stage phase II trial evaluating the effectiveness of Cetuximab-IRDye800CW in detecting tumors and lymph-node metastases in patients with lung cancer who are undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds, inhibits, and degrade the EGFR. The IRDye® 800CW, an indocyanine-type NIR fluorophore, demonstrated enhanced tissue penetration compared to other NIR dyes. The combination with the clinical approved monoclonal antibody anti-epidermal growth factor EGFR Cetuximab (Cetuximab-IRDye800) has shown promising results as a specific tracker in different cancer types (i.e., brain, pancreas, head, and neck). The study’s primary outcome is focused on the proportion of patients with lung nodules detected during surgery using an NIR camera. The secondary outcomes include a broad spectrum of items, including the proportion of patients with detection of unexpected cancer localization during surgery by NIR camera and the proportion of patients with negative surgical margins, the evaluation of the time spawns between the insertion of the NIR camera and the visualization of the nodule and the possible morbidity of the drug assessed during and after the drug infusion. Ethics and dissemination. This trial has been approved by the Ethical Committee of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino (Torino, Italy) and by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). Findings will be written as methodology papers for conference presentations and published in peer-reviewed journals. The Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, the University of Torino, and the AIRC Public Engagement Divisions will help identify how best to publicize the findings.Trial registration EudraCT 202,100,645,430. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06101394 (October 23, 2023).

Convolutional Neural Network-Based Automated Segmentation of Skeletal Muscle and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue on Thigh MRI in Muscular Dystrophy Patients.

We aim to develop a deep learning-based algorithm for automated segmentation of thigh muscles and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from T1-weighted muscle MRIs from patients affected by muscular dystrophies (MDs). From March 2019 to February 2022, adult and pediatric patients affected by MDs were enrolled from Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy (Institution 1) and the IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone-Pisa, Italy (Institution 2), respectively. All patients underwent a bilateral thighs MRI including an axial T1 weighted in- and out-of-phase (dual-echo). Both muscles and SAT were manually and separately segmented on out-of-phase image sets by a radiologist with 6 years of experience in musculoskeletal imaging. A U-Net1 and U-Net3 were built to automatically segment the SAT, all the thigh muscles together and the three muscular compartments separately. The dataset was randomly split into the on train, validation, and test set. The segmentation performance was assessed through the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). The final cohort included 23 patients. The estimated DSC for U-Net1 was 96.8%, 95.3%, and 95.6% on train, validation, and test set, respectively, while the estimated accuracy for U-Net3 was 94.1%, 92.9%, and 93.9%. Both of the U-Nets achieved a median DSC of 0.95 for SAT segmentation. The U-Net1 and the U-Net3 achieved an optimal agreement with manual segmentation for the automatic segmentation. The so-developed neural networks have the potential to automatically segment thigh muscles and SAT in patients affected by MDs.

Prescrizione di antibiotici in Pronto Soccorso pediatrico

Background - The emergency department (ED) is an important site of care in which inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and the consequent impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be reduced. Objective - The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections in children examined in 3 different ED located in Azienda Ospedaliera Bergamo-Est and to highlight the possibilities for a reduction and a more appropriate use of this class of drugs, overprescribed in paediatric age. Methods - A retrospective observational study was performed on children younger than 18 years of age, who were examined in a general hospital near Bergamo from January 2020 to September 2022. The proportion and type of antibiotic prescription according to demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging data were determined. Results - 4,731 children were included in the study and 894 (18.9%) received an antibiotic prescription. The prevalence of antibiotic prescription varies with age, with a peak at 1-5 years (21.7%), and depending on the diagnosis, from 2.5 % in children with influenza to 78.4% in children with otitis. Amoxicillin/clavulanate was the most prescribed antibiotic (47% of antibiotic prescriptions), while the percentage of amoxicillin prescription was low (36%). In patients examined for pharyngotonsillitis, amoxicillin was prescribed to 43% of those treated with antibiotics. Conclusions - This study supports the need for a new comprehensive approach to ensure successful antibiotic stewardship. A guide to the use of new diagnostic tests (molecular biology, genome sequencing and immunoenzymatic assays) in a “diagnostic stewardship” perspective may be helpful; however, clinical evaluation remains of fundamental and central importance.

Interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) for re-irradiation of recurrent head and neck malignancies: oncologic outcomes and morbidity.

Management of recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC) is challenging. One option in previously irradiated patients is re-irradiation using interventional radiotherapy (IRT), the modern form of brachytherapy. Re-irradiation using IRT can be delivered as an exclusive strategy for salvage or through a postoperative or perioperative approach after salvage surgery. The aim of the present study is to analyse a bicentric Italian series focusing on the use of IRT as a re-irradiation modality and assess the resulting evidence concerning oncologic outcomes and morbidity. This is a retrospective study performed in two referral centres in Italy: Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli in Rome and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria in Sassari. All patients who had previously received a full course of external beam RT and have been re-irradiated using high-dose-rate IRT between December 2010 and June 2023 were included. Patients were retreated either by a combination of surgery and perioperative (either endocavitary or interstitial) IRT or by exclusive interstitial IRT. Thirty-four patients were included in the present series, 2 of whom underwent more than one IRT re-irradiation. Notably, no patient reported specific IRT-related toxicities. Median follow-up, excluding patients who died of HNC, was 24.5 months. Two-year local relapse-free survival was 26%, disease-specific survival 39.1%, and overall survival 36.6%. The present series is the largest reported experience of re-irradiation by IRT for HNC in Italy. The very low rate of toxicity confirms IRT as the safest re-irradiation modality. It is noteworthy to underline that IRT is a multidisciplinary strategy based on the close cooperation between surgeons and radiation oncologists during every phase, from the recommendation of treatment and implantation in the operating theatre, to its prescription and dose painting.

Utility of clinical and laboratory data to estimate the probability of bacterial diarrhea diagnosed by stool multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction assay in a pediatric population

Aims: we estimated the probability of a positive result for the most common bacterial causal agents of diarrhea, such as Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella/Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli by a stool multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay in a pediatric population evaluated at the Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Unit, Children Hospital of the Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy, during the period April 2022 - July 2023. Methods: we analyzed the clinical data collected by the Pediatrician on the stool sample request form along with complete blood count and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Results: in our case series, the presence of blood/mucus in stool along with an increased value of CRP are independently associated with a positive result diagnosed by molecular method for bacterial diarrhea caused by the aforementioned pathogens. Conclusions: the results proposed in this paper can be of help in hospital settings without the availability of a stool multiplex PCR assay to estimate the probability of bacterial diarrhea in a pediatric patient.

Randomised controlled trial combining vitamin E-functionalised chocolate with physical exercise to reduce the risk of protein–energy malnutrition in predementia aged people: study protocol for Choko-Age

ObjectiveProtein–energy malnutrition and the subsequent muscle wasting (sarcopenia) are common ageing complications. It is knowing to be also associated with dementia. Our programme will test the cytoprotective functions of vitamin...

Hidden in plain sight: role of residual myometrial thickness to predict outcome of Cesarean scar pregnancy.

Ultrasound in Obstetrics & GynecologyAccepted Articles Opinion Hidden in plain sight: role of residual myometrial thickness to predict outcome of Cesarean scar pregnancy I. E. Timor-Tritsch, Corresponding Author I. E. Timor-Tritsch [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-3107 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USACorrespondence to: Prof. I. E. Timor-Tritsch, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USA, E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorA. Monteagudo, A. Monteagudo Icahn School of Medicine, Carnegie Maternal–Fetal Associate's, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorG. Calỉ, G. Calỉ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal–Fetal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy Maternal–Fetal Unit, Candela Clinic, Palermo, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorA. Kaelin Agten, A. Kaelin Agten orcid.org/0000-0002-3344-0315 Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJ. M. Palacios Jaraquemada, J. M. Palacios Jaraquemada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CEMIC University Hospital, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorF. D'Antonio, F. D'Antonio orcid.org/0000-0002-7546-8025 Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, ItalySearch for more papers by this author I. E. Timor-Tritsch, Corresponding Author I. E. Timor-Tritsch [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-3107 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USACorrespondence to: Prof. I. E. Timor-Tritsch, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USA, E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorA. Monteagudo, A. Monteagudo Icahn School of Medicine, Carnegie Maternal–Fetal Associate's, NY, USASearch for more papers by this authorG. Calỉ, G. Calỉ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal–Fetal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy Maternal–Fetal Unit, Candela Clinic, Palermo, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorA. Kaelin Agten, A. Kaelin Agten orcid.org/0000-0002-3344-0315 Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UKSearch for more papers by this authorJ. M. Palacios Jaraquemada, J. M. Palacios Jaraquemada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CEMIC University Hospital, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorF. D'Antonio, F. D'Antonio orcid.org/0000-0002-7546-8025 Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, University of Chieti, Chieti, ItalySearch for more papers by this author First published: 09 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.26246 This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1002/uog.26246. AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Accepted ArticlesAccepted, unedited articles published online and citable. The final edited and typeset version of record will appear in the future. RelatedInformation

Prevalence and Shifts in Antibiotic Use in an Italian Hospital: A Comparison of 2016 and 2022 Data

Abstract Background Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs, but inappropriate prescription rates (molecule, duration or dosage) remain high, leading to the selection of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This study aims to describe the most commonly used antibiotics in our hospital and compare them to 2016 data. Methods Conducted in November 2022 at the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria delle Marche of Ancona (Italy), the study followed the protocol proposed by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Patients admitted to wards before 8 a.m. and not discharged at the time of the survey were included. Data from 2022 were compared to the 2016 study. Results In 2022, 41.7% (N = 284) of the 681 patients were taking at least one antibiotic, with 400 antibiotic therapies administered, of which 90.5% were given parenterally. Among the patients on antimicrobial therapy, 40% were being treated for a community infection, 27% for a hospital acquired infection and 19% for surgical prophylaxis. Among all the antimicrobial prescriptions used, the most used class of antibiotics in 2022 was penicillin / beta lactamase inhibitor (21.6%, N = 86), followed by third-generation cephalosporins (11.8%, N = 47), carbapenems (11.6%, N = 46), glycopeptides (8.8%, N = 35), first-generation cephalosporins (8.8%, N = 35) and fluoroquinolones (7.0%, N = 28). Data from 2016 registered a 21.2% prevalence of penicillin / beta lactamase inhibitor, 15.7% of fluoroquinolones, 14.7% of third-generation cephalosporins, 10.5% first-generation cephalosporins, 7.6% of carbapenems and 4.1% of glycopeptides. Conclusions The prevalence of antibiotics used in our hospital has changed after six years. This shift may be due to new patterns of bacterial resistance and new antimicrobial drugs (e.g. cefiderocol). Key messages • Our study found a shift in prevalence of antibiotic use in our hospital after six years. • Penicillin/beta lactamase inhibitors are still the most commonly used antibiotics in our hospital.

Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer in assisted reproductive techniques: a single center retrospective cohort study and ethical-legal implications.

Several studies have shown higher pregnancy rates and better perinatal outcomes with frozen embryo transfers than with fresh techniques, with better results in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but with a higher rate of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. This retrospective cohort study aims to compare the cumulative live birth rates, maternal and neonatal complications of fresh embryo transfers (ET) and frozen-embryo transfers (FET) in infertile women who underwent assisted reproduction techniques (ART) at the Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti(AOOR) Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy. In addition, the authors have focused on the legislative and ethical complexities which such a procedure entails. Out of 475 women undergoing in vitro fertilization programs from January 2017 to January 2021, 128 were enrolled; 70 patients underwent ET, and 58 patients FET. The main outcome measure was live birth rates. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, pregnancy loss, low birth weight (LBW), ectopic pregnancy, and obstetrical and perinatal complications. The cumulative live birth rates were similar between the fresh transfer (95.7%) and frozen transfer (93.1%). Biochemical pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and pregnancy loss were similar between the groups. Obstetrical outcomes were not statistically different between the two groups; a higher preterm delivery rate was reported in the FET group. ET birth weights were notably lower for singletons compared to the freeze-all strategy. ET patients also had higher LBW rates, with a 2.5-fold higher rate compared to FET. No significant differences were found in cumulative live birth rates between ET and FET, which is consistent with earlier studies. FET protocols are linked to higher neonatal birth weight and lower risk of LBW than fresh ET. The ethical and legal quandaries inherent in such techniques, as technology moves on and outpaces current legislative frameworks, cannot be discounted.

Advanced age is an independent prognostic factor of disease progression in high-risk prostate cancer: results in 180 patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection in a tertiary referral center

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess more clinical and pathological factors associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression in high-risk PCa patients treated primarily with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) in a tertiary referral center.Materials and methodsIn a period ranging from January 2013 to October 2020, RARP and ePLND were performed on 180 high-risk patients at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona (Italy). PCa progression was defined as biochemical recurrence/persistence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases. Statistical methods evaluated study endpoints, including Cox’s proportional hazards, Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, and binomial logistic regression models.ResultsThe median age of included patients was 66.5 [62–71] years. Disease progression occurred in 55 patients (30.6%), who were more likely to have advanced age, palpable tumors, and unfavorable pathologic features, including high tumor grade, stage, and pelvic lymph node invasion (PLNI). On multivariate analysis, PCa progression was predicted by advanced age (≥ 70 years) (HR = 2.183; 95% CI = 1.089–4377, p = 0.028), palpable tumors (HR = 3.113; 95% CI = 1.499–6.465), p = 0.002), and PLNI (HR = 2.945; 95% CI = 1.441–6.018, p = 0.003), which were associated with clinical standard factors defining high-risk PCa. Age had a negative prognostic impact on elderly patients, who were less likely to have palpable tumors but more likely to have high-grade tumors.ConclusionsHigh-risk PCa progression was independently predicted by advanced age, palpable tumors, and PLNI, which is associated with standard clinical prognostic factors. Consequently, with increasing age, the prognosis is worse in elderly patients, who represent an unfavorable age group that needs extensive counseling for appropriate and personalized management decisions.

Intervention with EMDR on a sample of healthcare workers in the nephrology and dialysis service during the COVID-19 emergency: from immediate treatment effect to long-term maintenance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological support was provided to healthcare workers in Nephrology and Dialysis Operative Unit of the Azienda Ospedaliera Bassini using an EMDR group protocol to decrease posttraumatic stress symptoms in the medium and long term. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMDR treatment to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms at the end of the first pandemic wave and its progress over time in the subsequent phases of the health emergency. The sample of study consisted of 43 healthcare workers from the Nephrology and Dialysis Service who spontaneously decided to take part in the Brief EMDR treatment. Statistical analyses were carried out to compare the data collected with the IES-R, the Emotion Thermometer and the Post-Traumatic Growth Scale. The comparisons covered pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up. The results show a significant clinical improvement in reducing PTSD symptoms following the Brief EMDR group treatment. The comparison between PRE and POST treatment (DELTA1) regarding the scores from IES-R and Emotion Thermometer, highlighted the important statistically change that occurred in terms of symptomatology reduction (p < 0.001). By comparing POST and FU (DELTA2), it was observed that all variables except avoidance show a significant weakening of the effect with time (p < 0.001), but the magnitude of this effect is much smaller than the improvement found in DELTA1. DELTA 3 analysis finally made it possible to highlight how the treatment effect is maintained almost intact at follow-up. In fact, the maintenance of a better situation at follow-up was observed, in the course of re-traumatization linked to the new wave, compared to the initial data (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 health emergency has significantly impacted hospital healthcare workers, leading to a high risk of developing PTSD symptoms. A psychological intervention aimed at the operators themselves is therefore of great importance.

Appropriateness of packed red blood cells transfusions in chronic anemic patients in the emergency department: the TRANSFUS-ED retrospective analysis

Patients suffering from chronic anemia can benefit from scheduled transfusions of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), while urgent transfusions have specific indications. These patients frequently seek medical attention in the emergency department (ED), where they can be inappropriately transfused, but research in this field is limited. This study aimed to assess the appropriateness of PRBCs transfusions in chronic anemic patients in the ED. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who accessed the ED of the Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova (Padova, Italy) between 2016 and 2019 and received PRBCs transfusions. Patients aged ≥ 18 years old and with chronic anemia were included, while those with acute anemia or admitted to the hospital after the transfusion were excluded. Chronic anemia was defined as satisfying one of the following in the past medical history: diagnosis of chronic anemia; two or more previous blood samplings demonstrating anemia; periodic transfusions. As primary outcome, the appropriateness of transfusions was assessed according to the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) 2016 criteria, using the recommended threshold of 7 g/dL for hemodynamically stable adults and 8 g/dL for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Out of 1153 transfusions, 344 transfusions were included in the study. According to our criteria, 139 (40.4%) patients were inappropriately transfused, resulting in a total estimated cost of 54,528.71 € in the study period. This study showed that transfusions in chronic anemic patients are recurrent events in the ED and are frequently inappropriate. A possible explanation could be the lack of a well-structured primary care network granting periodic transfusions in ambulatory centers. In the future, implementing and improving chronic anemic patients’ access to transfusion services through dedicated pathways could reduce the burden on the ED and also decrease costs.

Evaluation of saliva and nasopharyngeal swab sampling for genomic detection of SARS-CoV-2 in children accessing a pediatric emergency department during the second pandemic wave.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is mainly detected by multiplex real-time RT-PCR from upper respiratory specimens, which is considered the gold-standard technique for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis. A nasopharyngeal (NP) swab represents the clinical sample of choice, but NP swabbing can be uncomfortable to the patients, especially for pediatric-age participants, requires trained healthcare personnel, and may generate an aerosol, increasing the intrinsic exposure risk of healthcare workers. The objective of this study was to compare paired NP and saliva samples (SS) collected from pediatric patients to evaluate whether the saliva collection procedure may be considered a valuable alternative to the classical NP swab (NPS) sampling in children. In this study, we describe a SARS-CoV-2 multiplex real-time RT-PCR protocol for SS, comparing the results with the paired NPS specimens from 256 pediatric patients (mean age 4.24 ± 4.40 years) admitted to the hospital emergency room of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI), Verona, and randomly enrolled between September 2020 and December 2020. The saliva sampling demonstrated consistent results when compared to NPS use. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected in 16 out of 256 (6.25%) NP samples, among which 13 (5.07%) were positive even when paired SS were analyzed. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2-negative NPS and SS were consistent, and the overall concordances between NPS and SS were detected in 253 out of 256 samples (98.83%). Our results suggest that saliva samples may be considered a valuable alternative to NPS for SARS-CoV-2 direct diagnosis with multiplex real-time RT-PCR in pediatric patients.

The humoral and cellular response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is influenced by HLA polymorphisms.

Host genetic variability contributes to susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 evolution and the role of HLA system has not clearly emerged, suggesting the involvement of other factors. Studying response to vaccination with Spyke protein mRNA represents an ideal model to highlight whether the humoral or cellular responses are influenced by HLA. Four hundred and sixteen workers, vaccinated with Comirnaty beginning 2021, were selected within the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino." The humoral response was determined with the LIAISON® kit, while the analysis of the cellular response was performed with the Quantiferon SARS-CoV-2 assay, for the S1 (receptor-binding domain; Ag1) and S1 and S2 (Ag2) subunits of the Spyke protein. Six HLA loci were typed by next-generation sequencing. Associations between HLA and vaccine response were performed with univariate and multivariate analyses. An association was found between A*03:01, B*40:02 and DPB1*06:01 and high antibody concentration and between A*24:02, B*08:01 and C*07:01 and low humoral responses. The haplotype HLA-A*01:01 ~ B1*08:01 ~ C*07:01 ~ DRB1*03:01 ~ DQB1*02:01 conferred an increased risk of low humoral response. Considering cellular responses, 50% of the vaccinated subjects responded against Ag1 and 59% against Ag2. Carriers of DRB1*15:01 displayed a higher cellular response both to Ag1 and Ag2 compared to the rest of the cohort. Similarly, DRB1*13:02 predisposed to a robust cellular response to Ag1 and Ag2, while DRB1*11:04 showed an opposite trend. Cellular and humoral responses to Comirnaty are influenced by HLA. Humoral response is mainly associated to class I alleles, with A*03:01, previously associated to protection against severe COVID-19, and response to vaccination, standing out. Cellular response predominantly involves class II alleles, with DRB1*15:01 and DPB1*13:01 prevailing. Affinity analysis for Spyke peptides is generally in line with the association results.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rome, Italy: a single-center retrospective study.

Since the beginning of 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has become a serious public health problem. Numerous studies have highlighted the main clinical features of COVID-19, mainly the huge heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations that can vary from asymptomatic infection to serious viral pneumonia with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the clinical characteristics and assess the risk factors for mortality in an Italian cohort of patients with COVID-19. Retrospective analysis including patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Infectious Diseases wards of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "Umberto 1", Rome, from March 2020 to May 2020. The data were part of an electronic anonymous web-based database processed by SIMIT (Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases). 258 patients were included in the analysis, and 34 (13.2%) died. The median age was 62 (IQR, 52-74), 106 (40%) were women, and 152 (60%) were males, 172 (66.7%) had at least one co-morbidity. The most common signs and symptoms were: fever [221 (85.6%)], cough [135 (52.3%)], and dyspnea [133 (51.5%)]. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was often altered [352 (IQR, 308-424)]. Lymphopenia [lymphocyte counts, 875/μL (IQR, 640-1250)] and high levels of D-dimer [mg/dL, 874 (IQR, 484-1518)] were found. Non-survivors were older than survivors [median age, 74 (IQR, 67-85)] vs. 61 (QR, 51-72)], mostly men [25 (73.5%)] and more frequently with more than 2 comorbidities [21 (61.8%) vs. 94 (42.1%)]. In the multiple logistic regression model, the variables associated with in-hospital mortality were age [OR, 3.65 (95% CI, 1.22-10.89)], male gender [OR, 2.99 (95% CI, 1.18-7.54)], blood urea [OR, 2.76 (95% CI, 1.20-6.35)] and a low PaO2/FiO2 ratio [OR, 0.28 (95% CI, 0.12-0.62)]. The mortality rate in COVID-19 was 13,2%. The risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were advanced age, male sex, increased blood urea, and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio reduction.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy with the IBS® Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of the impact of rotational speed and aspiration flow rate

Myoma removal remains a challenge hysteroscopically including for the "IBS®" Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver technique. To evaluate whether the Intrauterine IBS® instrument settings and the myoma size and type are prognostic factors for the complete removal of submucous myomas using this technology. This study was conducted at the San Giuseppe University Teaching Hospital Milan, Italy; Ospedale Centrale di Bolzano - Azienda Ospedaliera del Sud Tirolo Bolzano, Italy (Group A) and the Sino European Life Expert Centre-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China (Group B). In Group A: surgeries were performed between June 2009 and January 2018 on 107 women using an IBS device set to a rotational speed of 2,500 rpm and an aspiration flow rate of 250ml/min. In Group B: surgeries were performed between July 2019 and March 2021 on 84 women with the instrument setting to a rotational speed of 1,500 rpm and aspiration flow rate of 500 ml/min. Further subgroup analysis was performed based on fibroid size:<3 cm and 3-5 cm. Both Groups A and B were similar in terms of patient age, parity, symptoms, myoma type and size. Submucous myomas were classified according to the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy classification. All patients underwent a myomectomy with the IBS® under general anaesthesia. The conventional 22 Fr. Bipolar Resectoscope was used in cases requiring conversion to the resection technique. All surgeries were planned, performed and followed by the same surgeon in both institutions. Complete resection rates, total operation time, resection time and used fluid volume. Complete resection with the IBS® Shaver was seen in 93/107 (86.91%) in Group A versus 83/84 (98.8 %) in Group B (P=0.0021). Five patients (5.8%) in Subgroup A1 (<3 cm) and nine patients (42.9%) in Subgroup A2 (3cm~5cm) could not be finished with the IBS (P<0.001, RR=2.439), while in Group B only one case (8.3%) in Subgroup B2 (3cm~5cm) underwent a conversion to bipolar resectoscope (Group A: 14/107=13.08% vs. Group B: 1/84=1.19%, P=0.0024). For <3cm myomas (subgroup A1 versus B1) there was a statistically significant difference in terms of resection time (7.75±6.363 vs. 17.28±12.19, P<0.001), operation time (17.81 ± 8.18 vs. 28.19 ±17.614, P<0.001) and total amount of fluid used (3365.63 ± 2212.319 ml vs. 5800.00 ± 8422.878 ml, P<0.05) in favour of Subgroup B1. For larger myomas, a statistical difference was only observed for the total operative time (51.00±14.298 min vs. 30.50±12.122 min, P=0.003). For hysteroscopic myomectomy using the IBS®, 1,500rpm rotational speed and 500ml/min aspiration flow rate are recommended as these settings result in more complete resections compared to the conventional settings. In addition, these settings are associated with a reduction in total operating time. Reducing the rotational speed rate from 2500 rpm to 1500 rpm and increasing the aspiration flow rate from 250 ml/min to 500 ml/min improve complete resection rates and reduce operating times.

P566 Colitis due to immunotherapy with anti-PD-1: a case series

Abstract Background Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) drugs have been associated with immune-mediated gastrointestinal adverse events in 0.5-9% of the cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of colitis occurring in oncological patients treated with anti-PD-1 drugs. Methods This is a prospective cohort study including patients referred for new onset colitis at Azienda Ospedaliera of Padua between 2020 and 2022. All patients were treated with anti-PD-1 drugs at Istituto Oncologico Veneto due to oncological disease [n=2 melanoma, n=1 colorectal cancer, n=1 pleural mesothelioma, n=14 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Median duration of follow up was 10 months. Results Eighteen patients who developed diarrhea (≥G2, CTCAE) following treatment with anti-PD-1 were included (n=12 males, median age 70 years). The diarrhea began after a mean of seven months of therapy and after two to six months its discontinuation in 3/18 patients. The mean fecal calprotectin values at diarrhea onset was 1063 ug/g. Most of the patients (14/18) had their immunotherapy suspended, among them four required hospitalization. All patients were initially treated with systemic steroids (1 mg/kg). Seven patients had ulcerative colitis (UC)-like colitis (n=5 pancolitis, n=2 left colitis) while the others (60%) had microscopic colitis (MC, n=9 collagenous, n=1 lymphocytic) with unspecific inflammatory mucosal abnormalities in half of the cases. Among patients with UC-like colitis, two were hospitalized and treated with anti-TNFα because of steroid refractoriness; all remaining patients with UC-like colitis are maintaining remission with oral mesalamine or with budesonide non-MMX or low-dose systemic steroid (0.1 mg/kg). Two patients restarted anti-PD-1 drugs with no colitis relapse in the following three months, with mesalamine as maintenance therapy. Among patients who developed a MC, one required Vedolizumab as maintenance therapy, while 8/10 achieved partial or complete remission with oral budesonide non-MMX or low-dose systemic steroid. Three patients restarted anti-PD-1 drugs with no colitis relapse in the following three months, taking budesonide non-MMX as maintenance therapy. In our cohort of study all patients with MC were previously treated with anti-PD-1 drugs for NSCLC, while those with UC-like colitis were treated for NSCLC (n=4), melanoma (n=2) and colorectal cancer (n=1). Conclusion We observed a significant proportion of microscopic colitis in patients with NSCLC, while UC-like colitis was equally distributed in the other forms of neoplasia. Men are at higher risk to develop anti-PD-1 induced MC in NSCLC, rather than women. Anti-PD-1 induced microscopic colitis presents more frequently endoscopic signs of inflammation.