Chronic Corticosteroid Research Articles

P-648. Shorter vs Standard-Duration Antibiotic Therapy for Nocardiosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background The recommendation to treat nocardiosis for long durations (usually 6-12 months) relies on small case series published decades ago. We implemented real-world data to assess the association between treatment duration and outcomes in nocardiosis.Table 1.Clinical characteristics and outcomes of individuals diagnosed with nocardiosis, according to treatment duration rangea Calculated for the three treatment groups using Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (⸙) and one-way ANOVA for categorical and continuous variables, respectively; b Average daily prednisone dosage (in milligrams), during the 90 days prior to presentation. Whenever dexamethasone was used, dosage was converted to the equivalent prednisone dosage; c Individuals with active malignancy, primary immune deficiency, autoimmune diseases, and chronic corticosteroid therapy (≥5 and <20 mg per day); d Solid organ transplant recipients, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or on chronic corticosteroid therapy (≥20 mg per day); e Identification to the species level was available for 95/176 (54%) of the cohort. IV = intravenous; NA = not applicable; SMX-TMP = sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study comprising individuals with nocardiosis during 2007-2022, excluding those who died within 90 days from diagnosis. Patients were classified into three groups according to treatment duration: short (≤90 days), intermediate (91-180 days), and long ( >180 days). We compared overall mortality, relapse rates, and antibiotic-related adverse events at 1-year. Treatment duration was cross tabulated with immune status and nocardiosis syndrome, considering that clinical judgment has led physicians to deviate from recommended long durations in appropriate cases.Figure 1.Study flow diagram Results A total of 176 individuals were diagnosed with nocardiosis during the study period, 43 (24%) of whom died within 90 days and were excluded (Figure 1). Of the remaining 133 individuals, 45 (34%) were apparently immunocompetent, 26 (19%) and 62 (47%) had mild-moderate and substantial immune suppression, respectively. Patients received short (N=37, 28%), intermediate (N=40, 30%) and long (N=56, 42%) treatment durations. Longer treatment duration was positively associated with systemic corticosteroid use (p=0.009), immune suppression (p=0.014), and nocardiosis syndrome (longer durations for dissemination, p=0.001; Table, Figure 2). By 1-year, 20 (15%) individuals died and 2 (1.5%) relapsed. Treatment duration was not associated with mortality (p=0.977; Figure 3) or nocardiosis relapse (p=0.509). Of those with solitary pulmonary nocardiosis (N=73), none of the 20 immunocompetent individuals died by 1-year, while 5/16 (31%), and 6/37 (17%) of those with mild-moderate and substantial immune suppression, respectively, died, regardless of treatment duration. Adverse events rate did not differ significantly between duration groups.Figure 2.Distribution of treatment duration groups according to nocardiosis clinical syndrome and immune status For each color, shades signify immune status (apparently immunocompetent individuals, and those with mild-moderate or substantial immune suppression): darker shades signify diminished immunity. Conclusion With clinically guided case-by-case patient selection nocardiosis can be safely treated for durations significantly shorter than traditionally recommended.Figure 3.Survival curves of the entire cohort, according to treatment group The entire cohort is presented as a single curve up to 90 days, then divided into 3 treatment groups, according to the total treatment duration. p value calculated using Log-rank test. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P0194 Osteoporosis and osteopenia as extraintestinal manifestations in ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are often characterized by associated conditions with extraintestinal manifestations that can make diagnosis and treatment difficult. It is known that chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies and corticosteroid treatment in IBD are the main risk factors for developing metabolic bone diseases. This study aims to evaluate ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia as extraintestinal manifestation. Methods We analyzed 79 patients (mean age 42 years) with UC and we measured bone mineral density by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients who received treatment with corticosteroids were not included in the study. 25(OH)D levels were also measured in all patients enrolled in the study. The patients did not follow vitamin D supplementation treatment. Disease remission was defined with partial Mayo score ≤2. Among the patients included in the study, 52 were under biologic therapy. Results Among the patients included in the study 55 patients (69%) were in remission and 49 patients (62%) with low vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml. Osteoporosis (T score <-2.5) was found in 24% of patients at the lumbar-sacral spine and in 13.9% of patients at the femoral neck; osteopenia (T score between -1.0 and -2.5) was also found in 40.5% of patients at the lumbar-sacral spine and in 35.5% of patients at the femoral neck. All patients with osteoporosis had vitamin D deficiency (p=0.01) and osteopenia was present in 61% of patients with vitamin D deficiency (p=0.05). Regarding disease activity, 23.6% patients in remission and 29.1% patients with active ulcerative colitis were diagnosed with osteoporosis (p=0.69), meanwhile in the osteopenia group, 38.1% patients were in remission and 41.6% patients were with active disease (p=0.84). From the patients included in the study, 65.8% were following biological therapy of which only 3.8% were diagnosed with osteoporosis (p=0.007) and 11.5% were diagnosed with osteopenia (p=0.006). Conclusion Our data confirm that osteoporosis and osteopenia are common extraintestinal manifestations in ulcerative colitis. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to develop metabolic bone diseases without statistically significant differences between ulcerative colitis patients with active disease or those in remission. Patients who follow biological therapy have a lower risk of developing metabolic bone disease. Screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia is indicated in UC patients and vitamin D supplements are mandatory.

The association between pre-pregnancy and first-trimester hair cortisol and preterm birth: a causal inference model

Adverse life events and chronic psychological distress before and during pregnancy have frequently been associated with preterm birth but the biological underpinnings remain unclear. We investigated the association between corticosteroid levels in pre-pregnancy and first-trimester hair and the risk of preterm birth. We followed N = 1,807 pregnant women from a prospective pre-birth cohort study in Lima, Perú. Hair samples were taken at the end of the first pregnancy trimester. The two most proximal 3 cm segments to the scalp (representing pre-pregnancy and first-trimester) were analyzed to obtain hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations (HCC and HCNC). Preterm birth was defined as birth < 37 completed gestational weeks. We constructed four generalized propensity scores for pre-pregnancy and first-trimester HCC and HCNC to create corresponding inverse probability weights before fitting marginal structural models for estimating the effect of HCC and HCNC on preterm birth risk. Pre-pregnancy Log HCC was not independently associated with preterm birth risk (RR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.79, 1.19), nor was pre-pregnancy Log HCNC (RR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.58, 1.20). In the first trimester, a one SD increase in Log HCC was associated with a 37% increased risk of preterm birth (95%CI: 1.11, 1.69), whereas Log HCNC was not significantly associated with preterm birth risk (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 0.87, 1.65). Our findings show that chronic corticosteroid levels in early pregnancy are causally linked to preterm birth risk in pregnant Peruvian women. This finding contributes to understanding the biological underpinnings of preterm birth better to enhance its prevention.

Chronic corticosteroid use does not increase short-term complications following carpometacarpal arthroplasty.

Chronic steroid use has been found to be significantly associated with postoperative complications following total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between chronic steroid and immunosuppressant use and postoperative complications following carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all records of patients who underwent carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty between 2015 and 2020. The initial pool of records was divided into two cohorts: chronic steroid and no chronic steroid use. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared between cohorts using bivariate logistic regression. A total of 6624 records of CMC arthroplasty were identified in NSQIP from 2015 to 2020. Of the 6432 records remaining after exclusion criteria, 223 (3.5%) were chronic steroid use and 6209 (96.5%) were without chronic steroid use. The patient demographics and comorbidities significantly associated with chronic steroid use were ASA classification ≥ 3 (p < 0.001), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (p = 0.032), and COPD (p < 0.001). Compared to no chronic steroid use, chronic steroid use had higher rates of any complication (2.24% vs. 2.01%), superficial incisional SSI (1.35% vs. 0.63%), urinary tract infection (0.45% vs. 0.31%), sepsis (0.45% vs. 0.05%), and mortality (0.45% vs. 0.05%). However, these differences in complication rates were not statistically significant. Chronic preoperative steroid use was not significantly associated with any increased postoperative complication within 30days following CMC arthroplasty. Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Prognosis Study.

Increased adoption of IL-1 pathway inhibition and the steroid-sparing paradigm shift: temporal trends in recurrent pericarditis treatment from the RESONANCE patient registry

Abstract Background Recurrent pericarditis (RP) is a chronic autoinflammatory disease mediated by IL-1 that requires long-term treatment. While the 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines position IL-1 pathway inhibition only after corticosteroids, complications associated with long-term steroid use underscore the importance of steroid-sparing strategies. Rilonacept, an IL-1α and IL-1β cytokine trap, is the only FDA-approved treatment for RP (available since April 2021). RESONANCE, an ongoing 5-year non-interventional US registry of patients (pts) with RP, has collected real-world data from pts cared for by cardiologists with a focus on pericardial disease, with a goal of informing contemporary RP clinical management. Purpose Analysis of temporal trends in RP management from RESONANCE. Methods From a database cut-off (DCO) on 21 December 2023, patient demographics and disease characteristics are reported for 242 active RP pts (excluding RHAPSODY prior participants) at 20 US sites (median [Q1:Q3] 2.1 [1.5:2.6] years and 556 patient-years [PY] of observation). Complete medication class use data were available for 239 pts (total 546 PY). Proportional medication class use prior to initiating rilonacept was analyzed annually across the observation period. Results Mean (standard deviation) age at DCO was 50.2 (16.6) years; 58.1% were female. Median [Q1:Q3] disease duration at DCO from index pericarditis episode was 3.1 [2.2:5] years. Median [Q1:Q3] number of prior recurrences at enrollment was 3 [2:5]. Prior to rilonacept availability, NSAIDs/Colchicine/Aspirin represented the highest proportion of treatment (73% of PY); steroid use was 9% of PY, IL-1 pathway inhibition (anakinra) was 13% of PY, and conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) were 0.46% PY (no RP-specific treatment was 5% of PY) (Fig 1). In the years since rilonacept availability, proportional IL-1 pathway inhibition use has increased, from 13% of PY in 2020-21 to 26% of PY in 2023, driven by an increase in rilonacept use (6%, 13%, 16% of PY in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Over that same period, proportional NSAIDs/Colchicine/Aspirin use (57%-63% of PY) has been consistently 6-times more than proportional steroid use (10%-11% of PY). Among pts who initiated rilonacept (n=81), similar proportions transitioned from NSAIDs/Colchicine/Aspirin as from corticosteroids (Fig 2), a robust trend observed each year. Of those pts transitioning from corticosteroids, 1/3 had used corticosteroids for &amp;lt;30 days and 1/3 for &amp;gt;6 months. Conclusions Real-world data from the RESONANCE registry reveal a temporal shift in RP management in US centers with RP-focused cardiologists, with increased proportional IL-1 pathway inhibition use since rilonacept availability in 2021. Advancing beyond 2015 guideline recommendations, IL-1 pathway inhibition is often being used as steroid-sparing treatment, i.e., after colchicine instead of chronic corticosteroids.

The more smoking the more cataract: A study on smoking, snus use and cataract in a Swedish population.

To examine the prevalence of self-reported cataract and cataract surgery, and the incidence of cataract surgery, in relation to smoking and use of the moist smokeless tobacco product snus. In 2014/2015, individuals born in 1951 (n = 18 055) in the Västra Götaland County, Sweden, were invited to participate. Of these, 9743 (54%) accepted participation and 9316 (52%) remained after exclusion criteria were applied. Participants answered a questionnaire with items about eye conditions, smoking, snus, gender, education, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, corticosteroid use, diabetes mellitus, weight and height. Prevalence ratios (PRs) for self-reported cataract and cataract surgery were calculated. The incidence of cataract surgery was assessed, and hazard ratios (HRs) were presented. Having ever smoked was associated with a higher prevalence ratio of self-reported cataract (PR 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.35) and cataract surgery (PR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06-1.53), compared to those who had never been daily smokers. Currently, a smoker was associated with a higher HR of cataract surgery (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.74), as well as having been a former smoker (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56). Total years of smoking were associated with an increased risk for cataract surgery (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08 for 5 years of smoking). Snus use was not associated with an increased prevalence of cataract or incidence of cataract surgery, except among women who were current snus users (HR for cataract surgery 2.04, 95% CI 1.16-3.60 n = 108). Smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of cataracts, and a higher incidence of cataract surgery, indicating a dose-response relationship. However, there was no firm association between snus use and cataract.

Corticosteroids and glaucoma: How do treatments trigger ocular nerve damage? - A systematic literature review

Corticosteroids are steroid hormone derivatives produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids in the health sector have been widely utilized as anti-inflammatory agents because of their strong and rapid effects. This study aimed to identify the impact of long-term corticosteroid use on eye damage. This study uses a systematic literature review, which is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to the article screening process. The data of this study, in the form of demographic variables, route of administration, steroid type, comorbidities, and patient risk factors, were descriptively analyzed. As a result, 15 of the 22 articles were selected for analysis. Chronic corticosteroid administration may precipitate optic neuropathy, manifesting as glaucoma, which is characterized by progressive structural degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and concomitant visual function deterioration. The locus of primary pathological insult in glaucomatous conditions is the optic nerve head, specifically at the optic disc. This anatomical site is notable for the abrupt 90-degree angular deviation of RGC axons as they transition from the retinal nerve fiber layer to their trajectory within the optic nerve proper. The use of corticosteroids can damage ocular nerve tissue through an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) beyond 21 mmHg. This increase in IOP is due to changes in the microstructure of the trabeculum webbing, resulting in increased obstruction to the outflow of aqueous humor.

Fungal Malignant Otitis Externa: A Systematic Review.

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare but serious condition primarily caused byPseudomonas aeruginosa. Fungi, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, can also be a contributing factor. A systematic review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate the literature on fungal malignant otitis externa (FMOE), focusing on its etiology, patient demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment. Out of 464 articles identified, 10 were analyzed in detail, involving 197 patients with a mean age of 65.9 years. Of the total patients, 143 were male (72.6%), 52 were female (26.4%), and the gender of the remaining two was not specified. One hundred and fifty-five patients (78.7%) had underlying immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, and AIDS. Fungal cultures were positive in 107 cases (54.3%), withCandidaandAspergillusspecies being present in nearly equal proportions. There were no significant differences between fungal and non-fungal MOE in terms of clinical presentation and diagnostic methods. Conservative treatment was used in 179 patients (90.8%), with 172 of them (87.3%) receiving antifungals. Itraconazole and voriconazolewere the most common antifungals, while amphotericin B was less frequently used due to side effects. In some cases, antifungals were combined with antibiotics. Surgical interventions were performed in 35 patients (17.8%), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used in 34 of them (17.3%). Eight patients with FMOE died, and the mortality rate was 4%. Late diagnosis, cranial nerve involvement, and inadequate treatment may contribute to higher mortality. Given the potential underdiagnosis of FMOE, early incorporation of antifungal medications into empirical treatment protocols could improve outcomes for patients with a poor prognosis.

Clinical remission and control in severe asthma: agreements and disagreements.

Over the last two decades, we have witnessed great advancements in our understanding of the immunological pathways of asthma, leading to the development of targeted therapies, such as biologic drugs, that have radically and definitively changed the clinical outcomes of severe asthma. Despite the numerous therapeutic options available, ~4-10% of all people with asthma have severe or uncontrolled asthma, associated with an increased risk of developing chronic oral corticosteroid use, fixed airflow limitation, exacerbations, hospitalization and, finally, increased healthcare costs. The new concept of disease modification in asthma comes from the evolution of asthma management, which encompasses phenotyping patients with different inflammatory endotypes characterizing the disease, followed by the advent of more effective therapies capable of targeting the proximal factors of airway inflammation. This treat-to-target approach aims to achieve remission of the disease. Because the novel treatment paradigm for severe asthma with the advent of biologic therapies is no longer clinical control but rather clinical remission - a step closer to the concept of cure - a deeper and more accurate understanding of the critical causal mechanisms and endotypes of asthma is necessary to achieve the goal of clinical remission, which has the potential to generate real life-changing benefits for patients. This review aims to frame the evolution of the debated concept of clinical remission and provide clinicians with insights that may be helpful in achieving remission in the greatest number of patients.

Who Can Be Discharged Early? Factors Affecting the Length of Hospital Stay Post-thyroidectomy

Abstract Introduction: Thyroidectomy is the most common head-and-neck surgical procedure, generally considered a safe procedure in experienced hands. However, complications following thyroid surgery may occur. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of studies in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, on factors affecting the length of hospital stay (LHS) postthyroidectomy. Study Aim: This study aims to determine the factors that increase the LHS postthyroidectomy in a tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study included 792 patients aged 18 and above who underwent thyroidectomy at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2012 to 2022. Data from medical records were analyzed using Chi-squared, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman’s tests. Results: The mean age of studied patients was 43.03 years, the majority of which were female (84.5%). The mean LHS was 3 days. Factors associated with prolonged LHS were: older age (mean 45 years), hypertensive female patients, chronic corticosteroids use, lower preoperative platelet, hematocrit, and calcium levels, as well as reduced postoperative parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, and patients who had papillary carcinoma (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, postoperative complications such as hypoparathyroidism, tracheal injury, hematoma, and infections had longer LHS (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: While early discharge after thyroid surgery may be safe in certain cases, our findings suggest several factors influencing hospital stay duration. Patients presenting with these factors should be carefully evaluated to ensure optimal patient care.

Recurrence following ptosis repair surgery: a multivariate analysis of risk factors

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify and evaluate the risk factors for ptosis repair failure. Methods Retrospective, case-controlled study evaluating adult patients with ptosis who underwent ptosis surgery by external levator advancement/resection (ELR) or Müller muscle conjunctival resection (MMCR) with at least 3 months postoperative follow-up. Regression analyses were performed of ptosis repair outcomes comparing preoperative and perioperative risk factors for failure. Results A total of 240 patients (404 eyelids) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Surgical outcomes were measured categorically by success rate and measured quantitively over time using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Success was categorically achieved in 101/112 (90%) eyelids after MMCR and 231/292 (79%) eyelids after ELR (p = .0088). Success as measured over 5 years of follow-up was significantly better in eyelids following MMCR compared to ELR (p = .0469). In terms of surgical failure, the following variables were found to be predictive in order of decreasing risk: chronic topical prostaglandin use, chronic topical corticosteroid use, surgical approach, lower preoperative margin reflex distance 1, prior intraocular surgery, age, lower preoperative levator function, concomitant blepharoplasty, presence of a glaucoma filtering bleb, and female gender. Conclusions Ptosis repair surgery is a complex and challenging procedure. This study provides the largest comparative analysis of ELR versus MMCR to date with findings suggesting MMCR to be more a successful surgery than ELR. Topical prostaglandin analogue use appears to be the highest known risk factor for MMCR and ELR ptosis repair failure.

Modelling Adverse Events in Patients Receiving Chronic Oral Corticosteroids in the UK.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are effective anti-inflammatory agents used across a range of conditions. However, substantial evidence associates their use with increased risks for adverse events (AEs), causing high burden on healthcare resources. Emerging biologics present as alternative agents, enabling the reduction of OCS use. However, current modelling approaches may underestimate their effects by not capturing OCS-sparing effects. In this study, we present a modelling approach designed to capture the health economic benefits of OCS-sparing regimens and agents. We developed a disease-agnostic model using a UK health technology assessment (HTA) perspective, with discounting of 3.5% for costs and outcomes, a lifetime horizon, and 4-week cycle length. The model structure included type 2 diabetes mellitus, established cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis as key AEs and drivers of morbidity and mortality, as well as capturing transient events. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), life-years, and costs were determined for OCS-only and OCS-sparing treatment arms. Outcomes were determined using baseline 50% OCS-sparing, considering several OCS average daily doses (5, 10, 15mg). A treatment regimen with 50% OCS dose-sparing led to lifetime incremental cost savings per patient of £1107 (95% confidence interval £1014-£1229) at 5mg, £2403 (£2203-£2668) at 10mg, and £19,501 (£748-£51,836) at 15mg. Patients also gained 0.033 (0.030-0.036) to 0.356 (0.022-2.404) QALYs dependent on dose. The benefits of OCS sparing were long-term, plateauing after 35-40years of treatment. We present a modelling approach that captures additional long-term health economic benefits from OCSsparing that would otherwise be missed from current modelling approaches. These results may help inform future decision making for emerging OCS-sparing therapeutics by comparing them against the cost of such treatments.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia secondary to chronic steroid use: An uncommon cause of pneumocystis pneumonia

Patients on long-term immunosuppression, including corticosteroids or immunomodulatory drugs, are susceptible to opportunistic infections, such as like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Corticosteroid use can increase the frequency of fungal infection, mask symptoms, and delay the diagnosis, and thus warrant preventive measures. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is important, and prophylactic antibiotics, particularly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, should be considered for high-risk patients. This case underscores the diagnosis of PJP in a patient with interstitial lung disease receiving prolonged steroid therapy, despite lacking HIV and conventional risk factors for this infection. Notably, PJP can present as a more severe infection in non-HIV patients, leading to higher mortality rates and stressing the need for swift and effective diagnosis and treatment by healthcare providers. Keywords: Pneumocystis jirovecii; pneumonia; chronic corticosteroid treatment use; fungal pneumonia; interstitial lung disease

Effect of Chronic Steroid Use on Postoperative Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Arterial Bypass Surgery for Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease

ObjectiveWhile existing literature reports adverse effects of chronic steroid use on surgical wound outcomes, there remains lack of data exploring the effect of steroids on postoperative outcomes following lower extremity arterial bypass surgery. This study aims to explore the effect of chronic steroid use on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing open revascularization for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) files between 2005 and 2020, all patients receiving aortoiliac or infrainguinal arterial bypass for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared using χ2 test and independent t-test, and association of chronic steroid use with wound complications was studied using multivariable logistic regression analysis. ResultsA total of 44,675 patients undergoing open lower extremity revascularization were identified, of which 1,807 patients were on chronic steroids and 42,868 patients were not on chronic steroids. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, being on chronic steroids was associated with higher rates of deep SSI (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03-1.83), any SSI (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.43) and wound dehiscence (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03-1.96). Chronic steroid users also had significantly increased odds of developing sepsis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19-2.04), pneumonia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.91), UTI (OR 1.54, 95% CI 11.13-2.09), DVT (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.01-2.53), and 30-day readmission (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12-1.50), reoperation (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.37) and mortality (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.76) compared to non-chronic steroid users. ConclusionThis study confirms that chronic corticosteroid use is associated with higher risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing lower extremity arterial bypass surgery. These patients typically have various underlying health issues, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment and management to reduce steroid-related postoperative complications and improve survival.

A comparative study of necrotising fasciitis in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: Sparse published data are available comparing necrotising fasciitis (NF) in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with NF to our tertiary care teaching institute in Tirupati from March 2021 to June 2022 (n = 100; with T2DM [n = 60], without T2DM [n = 40]) were prospectively studied. The predisposing factors, clinical presentation, performance of laboratory risk indicator for necrotising fasciitis (LRINEC) score and its association with inhospital outcome of NF were compared in patients with and without T2DM. Results: In NF patients with or without T2DM, mean age (58.3 ± 11.0 Vs 55.3 ± 15.5 years; P = 0.22), gender distribution (M: F = 42:18 Vs 29:11; P = 0.787), history of trauma (50% Vs 45%; P = 0.787) and site of involvement (right lower limb 45% Vs. 35%; P = 0.813) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients with T2DM had chronic kidney disease (6/60 Vs 11/40; P = 0.02) and corticosteroid use (8/60 Vs 4/40; P = 0.04) compared to those without T2DM. The mean LRINEC score was similar in patients with and without T2DM (7.3 ± 2.5 Vs 6.8 ± 3.0; P = 0.9). The mean duration of intensive care unit stay (days) (4.4 ± 4.0 Vs 3.3 ± 2.4; P = 0.12), amputation rates (13.3% Vs 10%; P = 0.615) and mortality (25% Vs 22.5%; P = 0.774) were similar in NF patients with and without T2DM. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that predisposing factors, clinical presentation and outcomes were similar in NF patients with and without T2DM.

High Frequency of Cystic Fibrosis-Related Endocrinopathies in a Population of Colombian Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The median length of survival for cystic fibrosis (CF) has significantly increased in recent years; however, this means that endocrine complications are more frequently observed in affected patients. This research was aimed at evaluating the frequency, clinical and paraclinical features, and the treatment of linear growth and pubertal disturbances, vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, CF-related bone disease, and adrenal and thyroid function disturbances in patients with CF, as well as to explore their association with lung function and colonization. Method: A cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection of information from patients under 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of CF, evaluated on an outpatient or in-hospital basis by a pediatric pulmonologist or endocrinologist, or in a multidisciplinary CF consultation, between January 2011–December 2020. Results: A total of 87 patients were included. A high frequency of endocrinopathies was found. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was persistent despite cholecalciferol supplementation in 72%, short stature in 38%, pubertal delay in 26%, and thyroid axis disorders in 8% of cases. Bone disease involving densitometry and adrenal insufficiency secondary to chronic corticosteroid use were also frequent among the screened subjects (44% [n=16] and 12% [n=51], respectively). No significant differences were found for pulmonary function or bacterial lung colonization in the context of any endocrinopathies. Conclusion: Endocrine comorbidities are frequent in patients with CF, and early recognition improves the prognosis and quality of life in these patients. The findings for this cohort ratify the importance of multidisciplinary management of patients with CF.

Bone health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to reduced bone mineral density and elevated overall fracture risk. Osteopenia affects up to 40% of patients with IBD (high regional variability). Besides disease activity, IBD specialists must consider possible side effects of medication and the presence of associated diseases and extraintestinal manifestations. Osteopenia and osteoporosis remain frequent problems in patients with IBD and are often underestimated because of widely differing screening and treatment practices. Malnutrition, chronic intestinal inflammation and corticosteroid intake are the major pathophysiological factors contributing to osteoporosis. Patients with IBD are screened for osteoporosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is recommended for all patients with a prolonged disease course of more than three months, with repeated corticosteroid administration, aged >40 years with a high FRAX risk score or aged <40 years with multiple risk factors. From a therapeutic perspective, besides good disease control, vitamin D supplementation and glucocorticoid sparing, several specific osteological options are available: bisphosphonates, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) inhibitors (denosumab), parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues and selective estrogen receptor modulators. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of IBD-associated bone loss.

D.2 Cost-effectiveness analysis of efgartigimod vs chronic IVIg for treatment of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis in Canada

Background: Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 antibody Fc fragment recently approved by Health Canada for patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive (AChR-Ab+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). We assessed cost-effectiveness of efgartigimod vs chronic IVIg for adult patients with AChR-Ab+ gMG. Methods: A Markov model estimated costs (treatment and administration, disease monitoring, complications from chronic corticosteroid use, exacerbation and crisis management, adverse events, end-of-life care) and benefits (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]). The analysis was conducted from the Canadian healthcare system perspective. Health state transition probabilities were estimated using data from ADAPT, ADAPT+, and a network meta-analysis comparing efgartigimod with chronic IVIg. Utility values were obtained from MyRealWorld MG. Patients with MG-ADL ≥5 who did not die/discontinue were assumed to receive treatment every 4 weeks or every 3 weeks over the lifetime horizon. Results: Over the lifetime horizon, efgartigimod and chronic IVIg were predicted to have total discounted QALYs of 16.80 and 13.35, and total discounted costs of $1,913,294 and $2,170,315, respectively. Efgartigimod dominated chronic IVIg with incremental QALYs of 3.45 and cost savings of $257,020 over the lifetime horizon. Conclusions: Efgartigimod may provide greater benefit at lower costs than chronic IVIg for Canadian patients with AChR-Ab+ gMG, with substantial healthcare system savings over the lifetime horizon.

Management of osteonecrosis of the humeral head in the pediatric population: A systematic review.

Humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric patients most often occurs in patients with underlying hemoglobinopathies, exposure to chronic corticosteroids, or after trauma. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management of humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric population. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus were screened with the terms "osteonecrosis," "avascular necrosis," "pediatric," and "proximal humerus" on January 10, 2024. A total of 218 studies were screened, and 74 studies were evaluated for eligibility. Studies that reported on the prevalence and/or management of pediatric humeral head osteonecrosis were included. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria: four retrospective case series, three prospective case series, one retrospective cohort study, one retrospective case-control study, and three case reports. A majority of the studies (67%) discussed chemotherapy-induced osteonecrosis of the humeral head. A total of 77 patients (106 shoulders) with humeral head osteonecrosis were identified. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head across eight studies examining at-risk populations (underlying hemoglobinopathies or undergoing chemotherapy) was 2%. Intra-articular steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modification are effective conservative management strategies. Additionally, core decompression and hemiarthroplasty are surgical treatment options. The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head is low even among at-risk populations with associated medical conditions. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been described, but no comparative evaluations of these modalities has been conducted. IV.

The effect of fixation type on periprosthetic fractures in high-risk patients who have osteoporosis undergoing total joint arthroplasty

IntroductionMinimizing the burden of periprosthetic fractures (PFF) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with regard to morbidity and mortality remains an outcome of interest. Patient and surgical risk factors, including osteoporosis and fixation type, have not truly been optimized in patients undergoing TJA as a means to reduce the risk of PFF. As such, we examined: (1) What percentage of patients who underwent THA and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) met the criteria for osteoporosis screening? (2) How did the 5-year rate of PFF and fragility fracture differ in the high-risk and low-risk groups for osteoporosis between the cemented and cementless cohorts? (3) What percentage of the aforementioned patients received a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan before THA or TKA? MethodsWe queried an all-payer, national database from April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021, to identify high-risk and low-risk patients who underwent TJA with a cementless or cemented fixation. High-risk patients met at least one of the following criteria: men at least 70 years old, women at least 65 years old, or patients at least 60 years old who have the following: tobacco use, alcohol abuse, body mass index <18.5, prior fragility fracture, chronic systemic corticosteroids, or genetic condition affecting sex hormones or bone mineral density. Exclusion criteria were a diagnosis of malignancy, high-energy events (motor vehicle collision), those who underwent TJA indicated for fracture, patients less than 50 years old, those who had a prior diagnosis of or treatment for osteoporosis, and a minimum follow-up of less than 2 years. ResultsThere were 384,783 patients (67.1 %) who underwent cementless TKA and 67,774 patients (11.8 %) who underwent cementless TKA who were considered high risk. Additionally, there were 62,505 patients (10.9 %) who underwent cemented THA and 58,667 patients (10.2 %) who underwent cementless THA and were considered high risk. The cementless cohort had a 5-year periprosthetic fracture risk following TKA of 7.8 % (95 % CI, 5.56 to 10.98) in comparison to 4.30 % in the cemented cohort (85 % CI, 3.98 to 4.65), P < 0.0001. The high-risk cementless cohort had a 5-year periprosthetic fracture risk following THA of 7.9 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 6.87 to 9.19) in comparison to 7.78 % in the cemented cohort (85 % CI, 6.77 to 8.94), P < 0.0001. ConclusionThere is an increased risk of PFF at 5 years following TKA in patients at high risk for osteoporosis undergoing cementless fixation in comparison to cemented fixation. There is an increased risk of PFF at 5 years following THA in patients at high risk for osteoporosis for both cementless fixation and cemented fixation, but no clinically meaningful difference between the two groups. Addressing the shortcomings of the underutilization of bone density scans and better selecting appropriate patients for TJA based on bone quality and fracture risk can help expedite the process of improving the current state of practice.