Matched Case-control Analysis Research Articles

A multicenter, matched case–control analysis comparing burden of illness among patients with tuberous sclerosis complex related epilepsy, generalized idiopathic epilepsy, and focal epilepsy in Germany

BackgroundDepending on the underlying etiology and epilepsy type, the burden of disease for patients with seizures can vary significantly. This analysis aimed to compare direct and indirect costs and quality of life (QoL) among adults with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) related with epilepsy, idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), and focal epilepsy (FE) in Germany.MethodsQuestionnaire responses from 92 patients with TSC and epilepsy were matched by age and gender, with responses from 92 patients with IGE and 92 patients with FE collected in independent studies. Comparisons were made across the main QoL components, direct costs (patient visits, medication usage, medical equipment, diagnostic procedures, ancillary treatments, and transport costs), indirect costs (employment, reduced working hours, missed days), and care level costs.ResultsAcross all three cohorts, mean total direct costs (TSC: €7602 [median €2620]; IGE: €1919 [median €446], P < 0.001; FE: €2598 [median €892], P < 0.001) and mean total indirect costs due to lost productivity over 3 months (TSC: €7185 [median €11,925]; IGE: €3599 [median €0], P < 0.001; FE: €5082 [median €2981], P = 0.03) were highest among patients with TSC. The proportion of patients with TSC who were unemployed (60%) was significantly larger than the proportions of patients with IGE (23%, P < 0.001) or FE (34%, P = P < 0.001) who were unemployed. Index scores for the EuroQuol Scale with 5 dimensions and 3 levels were significantly lower for patients with TSC (time-trade-off [TTO]: 0.705, visual analog scale [VAS]: 0.577) than for patients with IGE (TTO: 0.897, VAS: 0.813; P < 0.001) or FE (TTO: 0.879, VAS: 0.769; P < 0.001). Revised Epilepsy Stigma Scale scores were also significantly higher for patients with TSC (3.97) than for patients with IGE (1.48, P < 0.001) or FE (2.45, P < 0.001). Overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 items scores was significantly lower among patients with TSC (57.7) and FE (57.6) than among patients with IGE (66.6, P = 0.004 in both comparisons). Significant differences between patients with TSC and IGE were also determined for Neurological Disorder Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (TSC: 13.1; IGE: 11.2, P = 0.009) and Liverpool Adverse Events Profile scores (TSC: 42.7; IGE: 37.5, P = 0.017) with higher score and worse results for TSC patients in both questionnaires.ConclusionsThis study is the first to compare patients with TSC, IGE, and FE in Germany and underlines the excessive QoL burden and both direct and indirect cost burdens experienced by patients with TSC.

Health selection into migration from Poland to the Netherlands: a matched case–control analysis

ABSTRACT This study sheds light on health selection into migration from Poland to the Netherlands. Scholars have highlighted health as an important resource to overcome barriers to migration, and suggested that health selection into migration may particularly be expected under specific conditions, e.g. when geographical distances between origin and destination countries are large and when immigration policies in the destination country are restrictive. I assessed whether health selection into migration was also present in a within–European Union migration flow to which such conditions do not apply. I analyzed data from four surveys of Polish migrants in the Netherlands (n = 1,210) and European Social Survey data on Polish natives who stayed in Poland (n = 1,843). I performed conditional logistic regression analyses for matched case–control groups to model health selection into migration. Better health status was associated with a greater propensity to migrate from Poland to the Netherlands. Additional research is needed to determine whether the lower expected returns on migration for people in suboptimal health make them less inclined to migrate than their healthier counterparts, also in the absence of restrictive immigration policies and excessive geographical distances between origin and destination countries.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome in Italy: Real-world evidence of a rare disease through administrative healthcare data

ObjectivesPrimary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease with significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiology, healthcare needs and related costs of pSS patients from the Italian National Health Service perspective. MethodsFrom the Fondazione Ricerca e Salute's database (∼5 million inhabitants/year), pSS prevalence in 2018 was calculated. Demographics, mean healthcare consumptions and direct costs at one year following index date (first in-hospital diagnosis/disease waiver claim) were analysed through an individual direct matched pair case-control analysis (age, sex, residency). ResultsIn Italy, 3.8/10,000 inhabitants were identified as affected by pSS (1,746 case: 1,746 controls) in 2018. In the year following index date, 53.7% of cases and 42.7% of controls received ≥1 drug (p<0.001); mean per capita cost was €501 and €161, respectively (p<0.01). At least one hospitalization occurred to 7.8% of cases and 3.9% of controls (p<0.001) with mean per capita costs of €416 and €129, respectively (p = 0.46). At least one outpatient specialist service was performed in 49.8% of cases and 30.6% of controls (p<0.001); mean per capita costs were €200 and €75, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, mean annual costs were €1,171 per case and €372 per control (p < 0.01). ConclusionAccording to results of this population-based study, the prevalence of pSS in Italy appears to be consistent with the definition of rare disease. Patients with pSS have higher pharmacological, in-hospital and outpatient specialist care needs, leading to three-times higher overall cost for the INHS, compared to the general population.

P259 Clinical characteristics and long-term disease course in patients with Crohn’s disease diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy; A retrospective multicentre matched case-control study

Abstract Background Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a non-invasive and accurate diagnostic modality that allows for direct visualization of the small intestinal mucosa in Crohn’s disease (CD). In rare cases, lesions not detected by other diagnostic modalities in patients suspected to have CD are solely identified through VCE. We aim to evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of these rare cases. Methods A retrospective multicentre matched case-control analysis was conducted in patients with CD across three hospitals in Korea, from January 2007 to April 2023. To perform a matched case-control study, we defined cases (VCE group) as patients with normal findings at colonoscopy and cross-sectional imaging, ultimately diagnosed with CD by VCE; the controls were patients with CD diagnosed with specific findings at endoscopy or cross-sectional imaging (non-VCE group). Controls were matched to cases with a ratio of 3:1 for sex, calendar year of diagnosis, and age at diagnosis. Clinical characteristics and outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results Of the 3,137 patients diagnosed with CD during the study period, 24 were diagnosed solely by VCE. When compared to 72 matched patients with CD, the mean duration from symptom onset to diagnosis did not significantly differ (27.2 months [SD 10.2] vs. 25.3 months [SD 8.9], p=0.394). There was a significant difference in the proportion of Montreal behaviour (p&amp;lt;0.001). In the VCE group, non-stricturing and non-penetrating (B1) type and stricturing (B2) type accounted for 91.7 and 8.3%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the perianal fistula modifier (25% vs. 33.3%, p=0.446). Within the VCE group, 45.8% underwent the examination due to abdominal pain with diarrhoea, followed by 25.0% with perianal disease, and 20.8% with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia. Regarding capsule findings, the ileum was mostly involved (87.5%), while the jejunum and duodenum were affected in 70.8 and 16.7% of cases, respectively. Fifteen patients had two or three segments affected. The Median Lewis score was 838 [IQR 393–1803]. Concerning the cumulative incidence of clinical outcomes over 10 years, complicated behaviour, need for biologics, and CD-related hospitalization and surgery were all significantly lower in the VCE group than in the non-VCE group (p&amp;lt;0.005). Conclusion Patients diagnosed with CD solely by VCE are rare. In this study, they exhibited different clinical characteristics and a more favourable long-term disease course compared to the general population of patients with CD. This included a lower incidence of complicated behaviour, reduced need for biologics, and CD-related hospitalization and surgery.

Predicting early complications in patients with spinal gunshot wounds: A multicenter study

IntroductionThere is a wide variation in the clinical presentation of spinal gunshot wounds ranging from isolated minor stable fractures to extremely severe injuries with catastrophic neurological damage. Research questionwe aim to analyze the risk factors for early complications and impact of surgical treatment in patients with spinal gunshot wounds. Material and methodsThis is a multicentre retrospective case-control study to compare patients with spinal gunshot wounds who had early complications with those who did not. The following matching criteria were used: sex (1:1), injury level (1:1) and age (±5 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. ResultsResults: Among 387 patients, 36.9 % registered early complications, being persistent pain (n = 32; 15 %), sepsis/septic shock (n = 28; 13 %), pneumonia (n = 27; 13 %) and neurogenic bladder (n = 27; 12 %) the most frequently reported. After case-control matched analysis, we obtained 133 patients who suffered early complications (cases) and 133 patients who did not as control group, not differing significantly in sex (p = 1000), age (p = 0,535) and injury level (p = 1000), while the 35 % of complications group required surgical treatment versus 15 % of the non-complication group (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of complications were surgical treatment for spinal injury (OR = 3.50, 95 % CI = 1.68–7.30), dirty wound (3.32, 1.50–7.34), GCS ≤8 (3.56, 1.17–10.79), hemodynamic instability (2.29, 1.07–4.88), and multiple bullets (1.97, 1.05–3.67). Discussion and conclusionSpinal gunshot wounds are associated with a high risk of early complications, especially when spinal surgery is required, and among patients with dirty wound, low level of consciousness, hemodynamic instability, and multiple bullets.

Comorbidity of Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia among Hospitalized Patients in Los Angeles County: Hospitalization Outcomes and Costs, 2019–2021

Hospitalizations for diabetes and dementia can impose a significant health and economic toll on older adults in the United States. This study sought to examine differences in hospitalization characteristics and outcomes associated with diabetes and dementia, separately and together, using 2019–2021 discharge record data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. The sampled group were residents of Los Angeles County who were aged 50+ at the time of the study. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that compared to those with no diabetes or dementia, patients with diabetes alone exhibited the highest total charges, while those with comorbid diabetes and dementia exhibited lower charges (p &lt; 0.05). The multinomial logistic regression found that patients with comorbid diabetes and dementia had the highest odds of having a length of stay of 7+ days (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.49; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.44–1.53). A matched case–control analysis revealed that comorbid diabetes and dementia were associated with significantly lower odds of hypertensive disease than diabetes alone (Matched Odds Ratio = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.97). Collectively, these results highlight the complex factors that may influence the variable hospitalization outcomes that are common occurrences in these three distinct disease profiles. Study findings suggest a need to consider these complexities when developing policies or strategies to improve hospitalization outcomes for these conditions.

Impact of Romiplostim on Overall Survival in Chemotherapy Induced Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, has been shown in a phase 2 trial to increase platelet count and facilitate chemotherapy administration in the setting of chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). The off-label use of romiplostim for this indication is common and is now a Category 2B recommendation by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Whether the administration of romiplostim improves clinical outcomes is not established. There are theoretical deleterious effects of platelet stimulation in cancer including the potential release of tumor stimulatory factors and blunting immune response to tumor cells. The goal of this retrospective study was to assess overall survival in patients with cancer treated with romiplostim compared to a cohort who received chemotherapy and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF). The rationale for comparison of GCSF-treated arm was to address potential confounders related to chemotherapy dose reductions, delays, and abbreviated treatment courses due to cytopenias. METHODS To minimize cohort differences, we conducted an exact matched case-control analysis of patients with solid tumor malignancies receiving romiplostim with up to four patients receiving GCSF (without romiplostim). Patients were exact-matched based on a) primary cancer site, b) presence or absence of metastatic disease at the time of drug exposure, c) age (within 5 years), d) time from cancer diagnosis to treatment with romiplostim or G-CSF, 5) number of prior lines of antineoplastic therapy, and 6) comorbidities using the Charleston Comorbidity Illness index (&amp;lt;=6,7-10,&amp;gt;10). Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of first dose of GCSF or romiplostim administration until death or last contact. Patient characteristics were summarized by frequency (percentage) and medians for categorical and continuous characteristics. OS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and the difference between two treatment groups was determined by log-rank test. All statistical analyses were performed using R. RESULTS A total of 130 patients with solid tumor malignancy were identified as receiving romiplostim for CIT. Following strict exact-matching criteria, the analysis cohorts consisted of 58 patients in the romiplostim cohort and 138 patients in the GCSF cohort. The most common malignancies were Colorectal (18%), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (15%), Pancreas (13%). There was a median of 13 months between cancer diagnosis to romiplostim or and 16 months to GCSF and the mean number of prior lines of therapy was 2 in romiplostim and 1.8 in GCSF cohorts. The median comorbidity indices were similar in both groups (9 vs 9) and most patients had metastatic disease at the time of drug exposure (83%). The median overall survival in G-CSF treated patients was 18 months compared with romiplostim 10 months (Log rank P=0.014), Figure 1. In the stratified analysis by number of prior lines (1,2,&amp;gt;2), association with romiplostim remained statistically significant (Log rank P=0.012). Further restricting the analysis to patients who received romiplostim or GCSF during first or second lines of therapy, median overall survival in the romiplostim cohort (N=40) was 12 compared 21 months in the GCSF (N=109) cohort (log rank P=0.057), Figure 2. CONCLUSION In this retrospective exact-matched cohort analysis of patients treated with romiplostim for CIT, survival was inferior compared to patients receiving G-CSF alone. We acknowledge the limitations of single-center retrospective cohort analysis, but these findings highlight the urgent need to establish clinical benefit of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in the management of CIT.

Association of Longitudinal Mobility Levels in the Hospital and Injurious Inpatient Falls.

Falls are one of the most common adverse events in hospitals, and patient mobility is a key risk factor. In hospitals, risk assessment tools are used to identify patient-centered fall risk factors and guide care plans, but these tools have limitations. To address these issues, we examined daily patient mobility levels before injurious falls using the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility, which quantifies key patient mobility milestones from low-level to community distances of walking. We aimed to identify longitudinal characteristics of patient mobility before a fall to help identify fallers before the event. Conducting a retrospective matched case-control analysis, we compared mobility levels in the days leading up to an injurious fall between fallers and nonfallers. We observed that patients who experienced an injurious fall, on average, spent 28% of their time prefall at a low mobility level (Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility levels 1-4), compared with nonfallers who spent 19% of their time at a low mobility level (mean absolute difference, 9%; 95% confidence interval, 1%-16%; P = 0.026; relative difference, 44%). This suggests that assessing a patient's mobility levels over time can help identify those at an increased risk for falls and enable hospitals to manage mobility problems more effectively.

A 3 mm Port Reduces Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Surgery: A Case-control Matched Study.

Recently, smaller-size trocars and instruments have been developed for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery; however, their effectiveness and safety have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether 3 mm trocars and instruments have benefits compared with conventional trocars and instruments. Patients with colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection or right hemicolectomy were included. Patients who underwent combined resections of other organs and those with conversion to open surgery were excluded. In the 3 mm group, three 5 mm trocars were replaced by 3 mm trocars. The numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately postoperatively at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively, after surgery and the use of additional analgesics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Case-control matched analysis was used to reduce bias according to the type of surgery. A total of 207 patients (conventional: n = 158, 3 mm: n = 49) were included. Before matching, NRS 48 hours postoperatively ( P = 0.049), proportion of patients using additional intravenous (IV) analgesics ( P = 0.007), postoperative hospital stay ( P < 0.001), and blood loss ( P < 0.001) were lower in the 3 mm group. In multivariable analysis, trocar type significantly impacted the proportion of patients using additional IV analgesics (odds ratio: 0.330; 95% CI: 0.153-0.712; P = 0.005). After case-control matching, NRS immediately postoperatively ( P = 0.015) and 24 hours postsurgery ( P = 0.043), patients using additional IV analgesics ( P = 0.019), postoperative hospital stay ( P = 0.010), intraoperative blood loss ( P < 0.001), and postoperative complication rate ( P = 0.028) were significantly lower in the 3 mm group compared with the 5 mm group. The use of 3 mm trocars and instruments in laparoscopic colon cancer surgery can effectively reduce postoperative pain while maintaining perioperative safety.

Herpes zoster reactivation after mRNA and adenovirus-vectored coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: Analysis of National Health Insurance Database.

Our study aimed to determine the risk of herpes zoster reactivation and COVID-19 vaccination (mRNA vaccine [BNT162b2] and adenovirus-vectored vaccine [ChAdOx1 nCoV-19]). This retrospective study analyzed herpes zoster cases diagnosed between February 26, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and registered in the National Health Insurance Service database. A matched case-control study with a 1:3 matching ratio, and a propensity score matching (PSM) study with a 1:1 ratio of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals were performed. In the matched case control analysis, BNT162b2 was associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster reactivation (first dose, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.11 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.06-1.15]; second dose, aOR: 1.17 [95% CI: 1.12-1.23]). PSM analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in risk within 18 days following any vaccination (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.02-1.16]). BNT162b2 was associated with an increased risk at 18 days post-vaccination (aHR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.35-2.02]) and second dose (aHR: 1.10 [95% CI: 1.02-1.19]). However, the risk did not increase in both analysis of ChAdOx1 vaccination. mRNA COVID-19 vaccination possibly increases the risk of herpes zoster reactivation, and thus close follow-up for herpes zoster reactivation is required.

Comparison of prone and supine positioning for breast cancer radiotherapy using REQUITE data: dosimetry, acute and two years physician and patient-reported outcomes

Objective Most patients receive whole breast radiotherapy in a supine position. However, two randomised trials showed lower acute toxicity in prone position. Furthermore, in most patients, prone positioning reduced doses to the organs at risk. To confirm these findings, we compared toxicity outcomes, photographic assessment, and dosimetry between both positions using REQUITE data. Methods REQUITE is an international multi-centre prospective observational study that recruited 2069 breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Data on toxicity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and dosimetry were collected, as well as a photographic assessment. A matched case control analysis compared patients treated prone (n = 268) versus supine (n = 493). Exact matching was performed for the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy, boost, lymph node irradiation, chemotherapy and fractionation, and the nearest neighbour for breast volume. Primary endpoints were dermatitis at the end of radiotherapy, and atrophy and cosmetic outcome by photographic assessment at two years. Results At the last treatment fraction, there was no significant difference in dermatitis (p = .28) or any HRQoL domain, but prone positioning increased the risk of breast oedema (p < .001). At 2 years, patients treated in prone position had less atrophy (p = .01), and higher body image (p < .001), and social functioning (p < .001) scores. The photographic assessment showed no difference in cosmesis at 2 years (p = .22). In prone position, mean heart dose (MHD) was significantly lower for left-sided patients (1.29 Gy vs 2.10 Gy, p < .001) and ipsilateral mean lung dose (MLD) was significantly lower for all patients (2.77 Gy vs 5.89 Gy, p < .001). Conclusions Prone radiotherapy showed lower MLD and MHD compared to supine position, although the risk of developing breast oedema during radiotherapy was higher. At 2 years the photographic assessment showed no difference in the cosmetic outcome, but less atrophy was seen in prone-treated patients and this seems to have a positive influence on the HRQoL domain of body image.

Stratification of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Based on Metformin Use: a Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea.

In a 1:4 case-control matched analysis of data from a nationwide population-based cohort in South Korea, we evaluated whether metformin use mitigates the risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Multivariable analysis revealed no significant association of metformin use with a diminished risk for incident nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Early breast cancer in women aged 35 years or younger: A large national multicenter French population-based case control-matched analysis

BackgroundThere is a scarcity of data exploring early breast cancer (eBC) in very young patients. We assessed shared and intrinsic prognostic factors in a large cohort of patients aged ≤35, compared to a control group aged 36 to 50. MethodsPatients ≤50 were retrospectively identified from a multicentric cohort of 23,134 eBC patients who underwent primary surgery between 1990 and 2014. Multivariate Cox analyses for DFS and OS were built. To assess the independent impact of age, 1 to 3 case-control analysis was performed by matching ≤35 and 36–50 years patients. ResultsOf 6481 patients, 556 were aged ≤35, and 5925 from 36 to 50. Age ≤35 was associated with larger tumors, higher grade, ER-negativity, macroscopic lymph node involvement (pN + macro), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), mastectomy, and chemotherapy (CT) use. In multivariate analysis, age ≤35 was associated with worse DFS [HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.32–1.84; p < 0.001], and OS [HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03–1.60; p = 0.025], as were high grade, large tumor, LVI, pN + macro, ER-negativity, period of diagnostic, and absence of ET or CT (for DFS). Adverse prognostic impact of age ≤35 was maintained in the case control-matched analysis for DFS [HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.28–1.91, p < 0.001], and OS [HR 1.33, 95%CI 1.02–1.73, p = 0.032]. When only considering patients ≤35, ER, tumor size, nodal status, and LVI were independently associated with survival in this subgroup. ConclusionsAge ≤35 is associated with less favorable presentation and more aggressive treatment strategies. Our results support the poor prognosis value of young age, which independently persisted when adjusting for other prognostic factors and treatments.

Paraspinal muscle degeneration and lower bone mineral density as predictors of proximal junctional kyphosis in elderly patients with degenerative spinal diseases: a propensity score matched case–control analysis

Study designRetrospective case–control study.ObjectivesProximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a postoperative complication involving the proximal segments which is commonly seen in patients with degenerative spine diseases (DSD). The purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors for postoperative PJK in elderly patients with DSD.MethodsWe reviewed elderly patients with DSD who underwent thoracolumbar fusion involving no less than 3 levels. Patients who developed PJK were propensity score-matched with patients with DSD who received the same procedure but did not develop PJK. Demographic characteristics, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), computed tomography (CT) value (Hounsfield unit), and paraspinal muscle parameters were compared between PJK and non-PJK groups.ResultsEighty-three PJK and non-PJK patients were selected by propensity score matching for age, sex, history of smoking, body mass index, number of fused segments, and upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) location. SVA showed no significant difference between the two groups. In PJK group, fatty infiltration (FI) in erector spinae and multifidus was significantly greater, while the relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) of erector spinae was significantly smaller than that in non-PJK group. CT value was significantly lower in PJK group. Lower erector spinae rCSA and CT value of the UIV, higher erector spinae FI and multifidus FI were identified as predictors of postoperative PJK.ConclusionsPJK is a common complication in older patients with DSD. Paraspinal muscle degeneration and low bone mineral density of the UIV are predictors of PJK. Protective measures targeting paraspinal muscles and the UIV may help prevent postoperative PJK.

Matched case-control analysis of outcomes following surgical resection of incidental meningioma.

The management of incidentally discovered meningioma remains controversial. We sought to compare outcomes following surgical resection of incidental meningioma to a matched cohort of symptomatic meningiomas. A retrospective single-center case-control study was conducted for patients undergoing resection of incidental meningioma from 2000 to 2019. A 1:1 case-control matching for incidental and symptomatic meningioma was performed using the following variables: age at initial visit, gender, tumor location/size, and presence of peritumoral edema. Primary outcomes included (1) WHO grading/histopathological subtype/MIB-1 index, (2) extent of resection (gross total resection or subtotal resection), and (3) recurrence. Outcomes were compared between groups using descriptive/bivariate analyses. A total of 91 incidental meningiomas were analyzed. Trauma was the most common reason (n = 19, 21%) to obtain imaging, and tumor size the leading reason to operate (n = 37, 41%). Median time-to-surgery from initial clinical encounter was 5-months (Q1:3, Q3:16.5). More incidental meningioma patients (n = 47, 52%) were privately insured compared to their matched symptomatic cohort (n = 30, 33%) (P = 0.006). Patients with incidental meningioma had significantly higher mean Karnofsky Performance Scale at time-of-surgery (93.2, SD:11.1 vs. 81.4, SD:12.7) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in primary/secondary outcomes between the groups. Incidental meningioma was not associated with recurrence on Cox proportional hazards analysis (HR: 0.795, 95%CI: 0.3-2.1, P = 0.637). Matched case-control analysis demonstrated no significant differences in clinical, histopathological, and functional outcomes following resection of incidental and symptomatic meningioma. While non-operative management with close follow-up and serial imaging is preferred for incidental meningiomas, those undergoing resection when indicated can anticipate similar safety and efficacy as symptomatic meningiomas.

Risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain in visceral surgery: a matched case–control analysis

PurposeChronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after abdominal visceral surgery is an underestimated long-term complication with relevant impact on health-related quality of life and socioeconomic costs. Early identification of affected patients is important. We aim to identify the incidence and risk factors for CPSP in this patient population.MethodsRetrospective case–control matched analysis including all patients diagnosed with CPSP after visceral surgery in our institution between 2016 and 2019. One-to-two case–control matching was based on operation category (HPB, upper-GI, colorectal, transplantation, bariatric, hernia and others) and date of surgery. Potential risk factors for CPSP were identified using conditional multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAmong a cohort of 3730 patients, 176 (4.7%) were diagnosed with CPSP during the study period and matched to a sample of 352 control patients. Independent risk factors for CPSP were age under 55 years (OR 2.64, CI 1.51–4.61), preexisting chronic pain of any origin (OR 3.42, CI 1.75–6.67), previous abdominal surgery (OR 1.99, CI 1.11–3.57), acute postoperative pain (OR 1.29, CI 1.16–1.44), postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR 3.73, OR 1.61–8.65), opioid use on discharge (OR 3.78, CI 2.10–6.80) and length of stay over 3 days (OR 2.60, CI 1.22–5.53). Preoperative Pregabalin intake was protective (OR 0.02, CI 0.002–0.21).ConclusionThe incidence of CPSP is high and associated with specific risk factors, some of them modifiable. Special attention should be given to sufficient treatment of preexisting chronic pain and acute postoperative pain.

Risk of Absenteeism among Workers with Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, destructive, and disabling disease that has no cure, with a large negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. Sick leave is one of common challenges for people with psoriasis.Aim: To know the absenteeism risk of workers with psoriasis.Method: A literature search using search engine PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. The inclusion criteria are systematic review, cohort, or case control studies; the subjects of studies are workers; the indicator listed in the title is psoriasis that is not differentiated in any form or type of psoriasis; and the outcome is absenteeism and its synonyms. The exclusion criteria are the articles not written in English, full text is not available, the articles have been used in the recent systematic review, the subjects are blue collar worker or non-office worker, and not relevant according to PICO. Critical appraisal was conducted using standard validity criteria for etiologic/harm/risk studies.Result: A retrospective matched case control analysis was selected with the level of evidence 3b –. Psoriasis patients were significantly more likely than controls to skip working hours (OR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.89; p &lt;0.05) and days (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 0.72 - 2.05) at the previous week due to health reasons. Conclusion: Psoriasis increases the risk of sick leave/absenteeism due to illness than those without psoriasis.

Risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain in visceral surgery: A matched case-control analysis

Abstract Objective Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is defined as new and persisting pain three months after a surgical procedure, whereby other causes of pain have been excluded. Although CPSP following orthopedic or gynecological surgery has been well investigated, we are lacking data for patients undergoing abdominal visceral surgery. We aim to identify the risk factors for CPSP in this patient population. Methods We performed a retrospective case-control matched analysis including all patients diagnosed with CPSP after abdominal visceral surgery between 2016 and 2019, matched to a control group of patients who did not develop CPSP. Excluded were patients for whom no follow-up was available 3 months or more after surgery. Two-to-one case-control matching was based on operation category (hepato-pancreatico-biliary, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, transplantation, bariatric and others) and date of surgery. The influence of personal, surgical and pain management factors were explored and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results 176 patients were diagnosed with CPSP during the study period. They were matched to a sample of 394 control patients extracted from the cohort of 3554 patients without CPSP. The incidence proportion of CPSP was 4.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age under 65 years (OR 2.22, CI 1.34-3.69, p=0.002), preexisting chronic pain of any origin (OR 3.39, CI 2.04-5.62, p=0.000), previous abdominal surgery (OR 1.71, CI 1.07-2.71, p=0.024), acute postoperative pain (2.62, CI 1.55-4.42, p=0.000) and length of stay over three days (OR 2.11, CI 1.26-3.53, p=0.004) were independent risk factors for CPSP. Preoperative Pregabalin intake was protective (OR 0.04, CI 0.01-0.33, p=0.003). Conclusion The identification of these risk factors allows for a preventive and personalized health care approach to our at-risk patients, for whom the optimization of postoperative acute pain management and an additional follow-up consultation 3 months after surgery might be indicated to avoid a delay in diagnosing CPSP. A possible explanation for the protective effect of Pregabalin is that in these patients, preexisting chronic pain might be better controlled in the preoperative phase, and they might have additional follow-up in the postoperative phase, be it from a pain specialist or their general practitioner.

MO982: Determinants of Coronary Artery Calcium Score in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients 12 Months After Transplantation

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death after kidney transplantation. Vascular calcification may at least in part explain excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but little is known about the drivers of vascular calcification after kidney transplantation. Remarkably, some patients with kidney failure develop extensive calcifications, whereas others remain free of calcifications. This study aimed to assess the severity of CAC score and investigate potential determinants of vascular calcification in stable kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) at 12 months after transplantation. The second aim was to compare the characteristics of KTRs without any calcifications versus those with a relatively high CAC score. METHOD Adult KTRs with no prior coronary artery disease and eGFR &amp;gt;30 mL/min/1.73 m2 who visited our center between June 2018 and June 2021 underwent non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the heart to quantify the coronary artery calcium (CAC)-score, calculated by the Agatston method. CAC-score percentiles were calculated using a CAC nomogram available at https://www.calciumscorecalculator.com. Clinical, laboratory, lifestyle and nutritional data, including bioimpedance analysis (BIA), were collected as part of the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study1. The association between potential determinants and CAC-score percentiles was first studied in univariable multinomial logistic regression analysis and subsequently all variables with P &amp;lt; 0.10 were included in a multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis to study independent determinants of CAC. We subsequently performed a case control analysis, comparing KTRs without calcifications (no-CAC, n = 36) versus those with relatively high calcium score (CAC ≥75th percentile, n = 36), matched by age, sex and dialysis vintage. RESULTS A total of 203 KTRs (54.0 ± 14.7 year old, 61.1% male) at 12 months after transplantation were included in the main analysis. Participants were categorized into three groups according to CAC-score percentiles {P = 0% (CAC = 0), n = 68; P ≥1%—P ≤ 75% [CAC = 67.5 (6.5–247.0)], n = 52; P &amp;gt; 75%, [CAC = 0], 581 (148.0–1652), n = 83}. Individuals in the highest CAC-score percentile group had lower educational level, heart rate, urinary protein excretion, urinary magnesium excretion, physical functioning score and phase angle assessed by BIA (a marker of both hydration status and body cell mass/integrity), and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, dialysis vintage, serum triglycerides, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, use of statins, use of antihypertensives and use of diuretics. In multivariable-adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, donor living status and phase angle were inversely associated with CAC-score &amp;gt;75% (Table 1). In the matched case control analysis, KTR with CAC-score &amp;gt;75% had lower plasma magnesium, albuminuria, and phase angle, and were less likely a recipient from a living donor (Table 2). CONCLUSION This study identifies phase angle, reflecting body cell integrity, as an independent determinant of CAC at 12 months after kidney transplantation. Interestingly, in two subgroups with similar dialysis vintage, KTRs with a CAC score of zero were more likely to have received a kidney from a living donor, and had higher plasma magnesium levels, compared with KTRs with relatively high CAC scores. Futures studies should address whether improving magnesium status could retard calcification progression after kidney transplantation.

Bilateral Oophorectomy and the Risk of Breast Cancer in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers: A Reappraisal.

The lack of consensus on whether bilateral oophorectomy impacts risk of developing breast cancer among BRCA1 mutation carriers might be attributed to various biases, specifically, cancer-induced testing bias due to inclusion of prevalent cases. We conducted two complementary matched case-control analyses to evaluate the association of oophorectomy and BRCA1 breast cancer. A research questionnaire was administered every two years to collect information on exposures and disease. In the first analysis, we limited the study to prevalent breast cancer cases (diagnosed prior to study entry; n = 2,962) who were matched to controls on year of birth and country of residence (n = 4,358). In the second approach, we limited to 330 incident cases (diagnosed in the follow-up period) and 1,548 matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of invasive breast cancer. In the first approach, there was a significant inverse association between oophorectomy and the risk of developing breast cancer [OR = 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34-0.55; P < 00001]. In the second approach, there was no association between oophorectomy and risk (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.87-1.70; P = 0.26). The inclusion of women with a personal history of breast cancer prior to ascertainment likely impacts upon the association of oophorectomy and BRCA1 breast cancer risk. Oophorectomy is unlikely a determinant of breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers but should be offered at age 35 to reduce the risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer.