Decision-making In Clinical Practice Research Articles

Comparative effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in improvement of fatty liver index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A retrospective nationwide claims database study in Japan.

To date, there are limited clinical studies and real-world evidence investigating whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are associated with improved hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SGLT2i compared with that of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in improving the fatty liver index (FLI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This retrospective cohort study included new users of SGLT2i or DPP4i with T2DM and MASLD from a large claims database (JMDC Claims Database). The primary outcome was the incidence of improvement of the FLI. Cox proportional hazard models, weighted using propensity scores for predicting the initiation of treatment, were fitted to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Time-course changes in the FLI values were also assessed. This study included 9127 SGLT2i and 12 286 DPP4i initiators. SGLT2i showed a higher incidence of improvement in the FLI (≥30%, ≥40% and ≥50% reduction from baseline FLI) compared with DPP4i, and the weighted hazard ratios were 1.27 (95% CI 1.18-1.38), 1.24 (95% CI 1.13-1.37) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.05-1.33), respectively. SGLT2i indicated a greater decreased in FLI values compared with DPP4i at up to 3 years of the follow-up period. SGLT2is use appeared to be associated with a greater improvement of the FLI than DPP4i use in patients with T2DM and MASLD. In the absence of direct head-to-head comparisons from clinical studies, our study, using real-world data, may support physicians' decision-making in clinical practice.

Comparative evaluation of remineralization potential of novel bioactive agents on eroded enamel lesions: A single-blinded in vitro study

Objective: The escalating prevalence of noncarious tooth wear stands as a critical concern in the backdrop of evolving lifestyles and dietary patterns. Dental erosion, a progressive condition induced by both endogenous and exogenous acidic influences, directly impacts enamel integrity, resulting in surface loss. The contemporary surge in carbonated beverage consumption further exacerbates this erosive milieu, underscoring the urgency for dental practitioners to adopt meticulous treatment strategies. Existing literature underscores a noteworthy 94% reduction in tooth erosion risk for individuals abstaining from sweetened soft beverages, emphasizing the imperative for a well-devised remineralization protocol to counter demineralized surfaces. Methodology: Seventy-three enamel specimens were taken. Forty samples were subjected to pre-operative hardness testing, and five samples were subjected to baseline EDX evaluation followed by grouping of samples (Group 1 = control Group; Group 2 = casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride [CPP-ACPF] Group; Group 3 = Biomin F Group; and Group 4 = self-assembling peptide [SAP] P-114 Group). A demineralization–remineralization cycle was carried out for 5 days followed by testing through Vickers Microhardness Tester, EDX Evaluation, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Imaging. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by intergroup analysis using Tukey’s post hoc test with SPSS software 25.0 version. Results: The mean percentage change in microhardness values was 30.05% in Group 1, 24.21% in Group 2, 18.85% in Group 3, and 12.08% in Group 4. The mean Ca/P ratio of samples tested through EDAX was 2.20 at baseline, 1.40 in Group 1 (Control Group), 1.62 in Group 2 (CPP-ACPF), 1.82 in Group 3 (Biomin F), and 2.01 in Group 4 (SAP-P114). Postintervention values were statistically significant from baseline values in both parameters. Conclusion: Curodont Protect exhibits superior efficacy, offering valuable insights for future in vivo studies and clinical applications. The multifaceted evaluation, encompassing microhardness testing, SEM analysis, and EDXS assessment, contributes to a nuanced interpretation of the agents’ impact, paving the way for informed decisions in clinical practice and future research endeavors.

Impact of change in the Naples prognostic score after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

To assess the clinical relevance and prognostic value of changes in the Naples prognostic score (NPS) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACR) among esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. We studied 232 locally advanced ESCC patients who received NACR before undergoing esophagectomy retrospectively. Categorizing individuals into the elevated NPS group and the non-elevated NPS group based on the change in NPS after NACR (ΔNPS > 0 or ∆NPS ≤ 0), we examined and compared the clinicopathological characteristics, survival rates, and postoperative complications between these 2 groups (∆NPS = post-NACR NPS - pre-NACR NPS). Results: Out of the 232 patients enrolled, 105 exhibited elevated NPS levels, while 127 showed non-elevated NPS levels. Survival analyses indicated inferior overall survival (OS) (p=0.024) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p=0.047) in the elevated NPS cohort compared to the non-elevated NPS cohort. Subsequent cox regression analyses identified the post-NACR change in NPS as an independent prognostic indicator for RFS (p=0.029) and OS (p=0.036). Elevated NPS post-NACR emerged as a significant indicator of worse prognosis for locally advanced ESCC patients who underwent NACR. This finding has great potential to be useful for recognizing high-risk ESCC patients who received NACR before undergoing esophagectomy and making individualized subsequent therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.

INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON ANTI-XA LEVELS IN HOSPITALIZED MEDICAL PATIENTS RECEIVING PARENTERAL THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS

Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) stands as a prevalent vascular disease, intimately linked to increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of various factors on anti-Xa levels in hospitalized medical patients receiving parenteral thromboprophylaxis. Design and method: This is a single-center cohort study encompassing patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital of Heraklion, from March to August 2023. These patients were placed on thromboprophylaxis due to a heightened risk of developing VTE. Data regarding demographics, past medical history, somatometric and laboratory findings as well as the type and dose of parenteral anticoagulant were recorded. The measurement of anti-Xa levels were conducted 4 hours subsequent to the third subcutaneous administration of anticoagulant. Results: In this study, we enrolled 150 individuals [91 women (60.7%)], with an average age of 80 years. Sixty-two (41.4%) patients exhibited non-therapeutic anti-Xa levels. The levels were subtherapeutic (<0.2units/mL) in 36 patients and supratherapeutic (>0.5units/mL) in 26 patients. Non-therapeutic anti-Xa levels were observed in all underweight patients and in 12 out of 13 obese class II and III patients. It's noteworthy that therapeutic anti-Xa levels were observed in more than half of healthy-weight and overweight patients. A univariate logistic regression analyses was conducted to explore factors (age, sex, past medical history, somatometric and laboratory findings) that had impact on anti-Xa levels. Among these, only body weight emerged as independent factor influencing anti-Xa levels. Conclusions: In our study, we demonstrated that 41.3% of medical patients who were administered parenteral thromboprophylaxis exhibited non-therapeutic anti-Xa levels. This was more profound for underweight or obese class II and III patients. Body weight was emerged as independent factor influencing anti-Xa levels. Further studies on weight-based LMWH thromboprophylaxis dosing in this population are likely to yield new insights improving decisions in daily clinical practice.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated complications during pregnancy and its effect on offspring: comprehensive review.

This study comprehensively explores the complexities of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy and its impact on offspring. Through an extensive review of existing literature, we investigate maternal and fetal risks, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and developmental issues in offspring. Utilizing reputable databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, we meticulously examined studies exploring the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications, with a focus on outcomes for offspring. We excluded studies lacking sufficient data or peer review. Synthesizing findings from selected studies, we identified common themes and patterns, presenting results in a clear, organized manner. Our examination reveals a heightened likelihood of preterm birth and preeclampsia among pregnant individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, often correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, we highlight the impact on fetal and neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight, underscoring the importance of meticulous disease management throughout pregnancy. Balancing the necessity of disease-modifying agents with potential risks, and consideration of medication safety is paramount. A multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists and obstetricians is crucial for optimizing outcomes. In conclusion, this synthesis underscores the nuanced challenges of rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy. A comprehensive understanding and personalized, multidisciplinary approach to an organization is essential for informed decision-making in clinical practice. Our review contributes to ongoing discourse, providing insights for enhanced patient care and guiding future research endeavors.

Primary and specialist care interaction and referral patterns for individuals with chronic kidney disease: a narrative review.

Timely referral of individuals with chronic kidney disease from primary care to secondary care is evidenced to improve patient outcomes, especially for those whose disease progresses to kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy. A shortage of specialist nephrology services plus no consistent criteria for referral and reporting leads to referral pattern variability in the management of individuals with chronic kidney disease. The objective of this review was to explore the referral patterns of individuals with chronic kidney disease from primary care to specialist nephrology services. It focused on the primary-specialist care interface, optimal timing of referral to nephrology services, adequacy of preparation for kidney replacement therapy, and the role of clinical criteria vs. risk-based prediction tools in guiding the referral process. A narrative review was utilised to summarise the literature, with the intent of providing a broad-based understanding of the referral patterns for patients with chronic kidney disease in order to guide clinical practice decisions. The review identified original English language qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods publications as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses available in PubMed and Google Scholar from their inception to 24 March 2023. Thirteen papers met the criteria for detailed review. We grouped the findings into three main themes: (1) Outcomes of the timing of referral to nephrology services, (2) Adequacy of preparation for kidney replacement therapy, and (3) Comparison of clinical criteria vs. risk-based prediction tools. The review demonstrated that regardless of the time frame used to define early vs. late referral in relation to the start of kidney replacement therapy, better outcomes are evidenced in patients referred early. This review informs the patterns and timing of referral for pre-dialysis specialist care to mitigate adverse outcomes for individuals with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Enhancing current risk prediction equations will enable primary care clinicians to accurately predict the risk of clinically important outcomes and provide much-needed guidance on the timing of referral between primary care and specialist nephrology services.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of supratentorial glioma with IDH2 mutation.

The rarity of IDH2 mutations in supratentorial gliomas has led to gaps in understanding their radiological characteristics, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis based solely on negative IDH1 immunohistochemical staining. We aimed to investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of IDH2-mutant gliomas. We analyzed imaging data from adult patients with pathologically confirmed diffuse lower-grade gliomas and known IDH1/2 alteration and 1p/19q codeletion statuses obtained from the records of our institute (January 2011 to August 2022, Cohort 1) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA, Cohort 2). Two radiologists evaluated clinical information and radiological findings using standardized methods. Furthermore, we compared the data for IDH2-mutant and IDH-wildtype gliomas. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of IDH2 mutation status, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was employed to assess the predictive performance of the model. Of the 20 IDH2-mutant supratentorial gliomas, 95% were in the frontal lobes, with 75% classified as oligodendrogliomas. Age and the T2-FLAIR discordance were independent predictors of IDH2 mutations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the model using age and T2-FLAIR discordance demonstrated a strong potential for discriminating between IDH2-mutant and IDH-wildtype gliomas, with an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-0.98, P = .02). A high frequency of oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q codeletion was observed in IDH2-mutated gliomas. Younger age and the presence of the T2-FLAIR discordance were associated with IDH2 mutations and these findings may help with precise diagnoses and treatment decisions in clinical practice.

Current phenotypic and genetic spectrum of syndromic deafness in Tunisia: paving the way for precision auditory health.

Hearing impairment (HI) is a prevalent neurosensory condition globally, impacting 5% of the population, with over 50% of congenital cases attributed to genetic etiologies. In Tunisia, HI underdiagnosis prevails, primarily due to limited access to comprehensive clinical tools, particularly for syndromic deafness (SD), characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. This study aimed to uncover the SD spectrum through a 14-year investigation of a Tunisian cohort encompassing over 700 patients from four referral centers (2007-2021). Employing Sanger sequencing, Targeted Panel Gene Sequencing, and Whole Exome Sequencing, genetic analysis in 30 SD patients identified diagnoses such as Usher syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, cranio-facial-hand-deafness syndrome, and H syndrome. This latter is a rare genodermatosis characterized by HI, hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, and systemic manifestations. A meta-analysis integrating our findings with existing data revealed that nearly 50% of Tunisian SD cases corresponded to rare inherited metabolic disorders. Distinguishing between non-syndromic and syndromic HI poses a challenge, where the age of onset and progression of features significantly impact accurate diagnoses. Despite advancements in local genetic characterization capabilities, certain ultra-rare forms of SD remain underdiagnosed. This research contributes critical insights to inform molecular diagnosis approaches for SD in Tunisia and the broader North-African region, thereby facilitating informed decision-making in clinical practice.

A Mathematical Model Based on Stratifying the Severity of Medical Errors for Building Scenarios for Clinical Cases With Branching.

Background There are no mathematical models or score systems available for assessing and creating clinical case simulations based on branching scenario scripts. Objective This study aimed to develop a mathematical model based on stratifying the severity of medical errors for building clinical cases with branching scenarios for clinical simulation. Methods This study was undertaken from August 2020 to August 2023. To build a mathematical model for building scenarios of clinical cases with branching, the classification of the seriousness of medication errors was used. A mathematical model was built for predicting and modeling the development of a clinical situation and as an assessment strategy.The study recruited a total of 34 participants, with 16 participants assigned to the branching scenarios without the mathematical model group and 18 participants assigned to the branching scenarios with the mathematical model group. Results A simple diagram of score based on stratification of the severity of medical errors and correct decisions in clinical practice for building interactive training scenarios with branching was proposed. According to this score system algorithm, each clinical decision-making step is scored points with plus or minus, from 0 to 10.The sum of the points for each block in the decision-making process is then added up. Each step in the overall clinical decision-making strategy is stratified by the proposed algorithm, and finally, the results of internal validation and implementation are presented. Conclusion A mathematical model and score system for building clinical case scenarios based on branching and classification of the seriousness of medication errors was developed. This system could help in the prediction and modeling of the development of events in particular clinical situations and the assessment of competency formation in medical simulation as well.

Benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma by previous biologic use and key clinical subgroups: real-world XALOC-1 programme.

Pivotal phase 3 trials and real-world studies have demonstrated benralizumab's overall efficacy and safety in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). Additional large-cohort data are needed to confirm its real-world effectiveness in SEA according to previous biologic use and key baseline characteristics important for treatment selection. XALOC-1 is a large, multinational, retrospective, observational, real-world study programme of benralizumab in adults with SEA. This 48-week integrated analysis assessed annualised exacerbation rate (AER), maintenance oral corticosteroid (mOCS) use, asthma symptom control and lung function during a 12-month baseline period and up to 48 weeks after benralizumab initiation. Subgroup analyses were based on previous biologic use and key baseline clinical characteristics (mOCS use, blood eosinophil count, exacerbation history, age at asthma diagnosis, fractional exhaled nitric oxide level and presence of atopy and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps). Out of 1002 patients analysed, 380 were biologic-experienced. At week 48, 71.3% were exacerbation-free (versus 17.2% at baseline); relative reduction in AER was 82.7% overall and 72.9% in biologic-experienced patients; rates were maintained across all key clinical characteristic subgroups. Of patients using mOCS at baseline (n=274), 47.4% (130 out of 274) eliminated their use by week 48; the mean reduction from baseline in daily dose was 51.2% and, notably, 34.9% in biologic-experienced patients (n=115). Clinically significant improvements in asthma symptom control and lung function were observed. In this large, real-world programme, SEA patients treated with benralizumab had substantial improvements in clinical outcomes irrespective of previous biologic use and key clinical characteristics important to therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice.

A methodological protocol for the development of a national guideline on perioperative management of gastrointestinal tumors in Germany.

The success of abdominal cancer surgery depends not only on the surgery itself but is influenced by the overall perioperative management. Given the multitude of perioperative measures and the ever-increasing number of studies on perioperative management, it is difficult to keep track and provide evidence-based perioperative management. The planned guideline on perioperative management will review the existing evidence and derive treatment recommendations. The processing of the evidence is carried out by 6 working groups according to an 8-step scheme: after drafting the guideline questions in PICO format (1), a systematic literature search is carried out (2), and the records found are screened by two independent reviewers from the coordination team. Subsequently, the full texts of the potentially relevant articles are made available to the working groups for full text screening (3). All articles to be included are reviewed for methodological quality (4) before summary of findings tables are generated (5). In line with the GRADE approach, confidence in the evidence is assessed (6) before a recommendation is derived from the evidence, using a modified GRADE Evidence to Decision Framework (7). Finally, all recommendations are compiled and agreed within the guideline group (8). Guidelines serve as foundation for therapy decisions in everyday clinical practice and should therefore be based on up-to-date research results. However, while primary studies and systematic reviews are critically reviewed for their methodological quality, the process of guideline development is often not comprehensible. A protocol with predefined methodology should therefore create transparency and strengthen confidence in the recommendations. The guideline is registered in the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies) Guideline Register (088-010OL).

Advancements in Wearable Digital Health Technology: A Review of Epilepsy Management.

This review explores recent advancements in wearable digital health technology specifically designed to manage epilepsy. Epilepsy presents unique challenges in monitoring and management due to the unpredictable nature of seizures. Wearable devices offer continuous monitoring and real-time data collection, providing insights into seizure patterns and trends. Wearable technology is important in epilepsy management because it enables early detection, prediction, and personalized intervention, empowering patients and healthcare providers. Key findings highlight the potential of wearable devices to improve seizure detection accuracy, enhance patient empowerment through real-time monitoring, and facilitate data-driven decision-making in clinical practice. However, further research is needed to validate the accuracy and reliability of these devices across diverse patient populations and clinical settings. Collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, technology developers, and patients are essential to drive innovation and advancements in wearable digital health technology for epilepsy management, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with this neurological condition.

Research Progress on the Application of Cluster Nursing Mode in ECMO-Assisted Patients

Cluster care, also known as cluster therapy, cluster intervention, or bundled therapy, is a series of evidence- based supportive joint care measures developed to improve the quality of care for specific patients or nursing issues. It is highly reliable and can effectively improve patient prognosis. This article summarized the application of cluster nursing care in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-assisted patients and the problems faced to provide a reference for evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.

Assessing Knowledge, Competence, and Performance Following Web-Based Education on Early Breast Cancer Management: Health Care Professional Questionnaire Study and Anonymized Patient Records Analysis.

Web-based learning activities are key components of continuing medical education (CME) for health care professionals (HCPs). However, the published outcomes of web-based educational interventions for early breast cancer (EBC) are limited. This study aims to objectively assess knowledge, competence, and performance among HCPs following participation in 2 EBC-focused CME activities and to identify the remaining educational gaps. We developed 2 CME-accredited web-based educational activities addressing high-risk EBC, including integration of shared decision-making to optimize patient care (touchMDT) and stratification for early identification of high-risk patients and novel treatment strategies (touchPANEL DISCUSSION). Knowledge, competence, and performance were assessed before and after the activities against an expanded outcomes framework (levels 1-5) using self-reported questionnaires and an analysis of anonymized data extracted from patient records. Six months after the launch of the activity, 7047 and 8989 HCP participants engaged with touchMDT and touchPANEL DISCUSSION, respectively. The overall satisfaction was 82% (a total score of 20.6 out of 25) for the touchMDT and 88% (a total score of 21.9 out of 25) for the touchPANEL DISCUSSION. For the evaluation of knowledge and competence (50 respondents before the activity and 50 learners after the activity), there was a significant increase in the mean number of correctly answered questions from pre- to postactivity (touchMDT: median 4.0, IQR 3.0-5.0 to median 5.5, IQR 4.0-7.0; mean 4.00, SD 1.39 to mean 5.30, SD 1.56 and touchPANEL DISCUSSION: median 4.0, IQR 4.0-5.0 to median 6.0, IQR 5.0-7.0; mean 4.32, SD 1.30 to mean 5.88, SD 1.49; both P<.001). A significant improvement in self-reported performance (50 respondents before the activity and 50 learners after the activity) was observed in a combined analysis of both activities (median 3.0, IQR 2.0-3.0 to median 4.0, IQR 3.0-5.0; mean 2.82, SD 1.08 to mean 4.16, SD 1.45; P<.001). Patient record analysis (50 respondents before the activity and 50 learners after the activity) showed that the HCPs used a range of measures to determine EBC recurrence risk and revealed no significant differences in adjuvant therapies used before and after the activity (P=.97 and P>.99 for Ki-67 <20% and Ki-67 ≥20% tumors, respectively). The remaining educational gaps included strategies for implementing shared decision-making in clinical practice and the use of genetic and biomarker testing to guide treatment selection. Brief, web-based CME activities on EBC were associated with an improvement in HCP knowledge, competence, and self-reported performance and can help identify unmet needs to inform the design of future CME activities.

ResDeepSurv: A Survival Model for Deep Neural Networks Based on Residual Blocks and Self-attention Mechanism.

Survival analysis, as a widely used method for analyzing and predicting the timing of event occurrence, plays a crucial role in the medicine field. Medical professionals utilize survival models to gain insight into the effects of patient covariates on the disease, and the correlation with the effectiveness of different treatment strategies. This knowledge is essential for the development of treatment plans and the enhancement of treatment approaches. Conventional survival models, such as the Cox proportional hazards model, require a significant amount of feature engineering or prior knowledge to facilitate personalized modeling. To address these limitations, we propose a novel residual-based self-attention deep neural network for survival modeling, called ResDeepSurv, which combines the benefits of neural networks and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The model proposed in our study simulates the distribution of survival time and the correlation between covariates and outcomes, but does not impose strict assumptions on the basic distribution of survival data. This approach effectively accounts for both linear and nonlinear risk functions in survival data analysis. The performance of our model in analyzing survival data with various risk functions is on par with or even superior to that of other existing survival analysis methods. Furthermore, we validate the superior performance of our model in comparison to currently existing methods by evaluating multiple publicly available clinical datasets. Through this study, we prove the effectiveness of our proposed model in survival analysis, providing a promising alternative to traditional approaches. The application of deep learning techniques and the ability to capture complex relationships between covariates and survival outcomes without relying on extensive feature engineering make our model a valuable tool for personalized medicine and decision-making in clinical practice.

Comparative efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A real-world experience.

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a class of drugs with modest antidiabetic efficacy, weight loss effect, and cardiovascular benefits as proven by multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs). However, real-world data on the comparative efficacy and safety of individual SGLT-2i medications is sparse. To study the comparative efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i using real-world clinical data. We evaluated the comparative efficacy data of 3 SGLT-2i drugs (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin) used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data on the reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, blood pressure (BP), urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), and adverse effects were recorded retrospectively. Data from 467 patients with a median age of 64 (14.8) years, 294 (62.96%) males and 375 (80.5%) Caucasians were analysed. Median diabetes duration was 16.0 (9.0) years, and the duration of SGLT-2i use was 3.6 (2.1) years. SGLT-2i molecules used were dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 227; 48.6%), canagliflozin 300 mg (n = 160; 34.3%), and empagliflozin 25 mg (n = 80; 17.1). Baseline median (interquartile range) HbA1c in mmol/mol were: dapagliflozin - 78.0 (25.3), canagliflozin - 80.0 (25.5), and empagliflozin - 75.0 (23.5) respectively. The respective median HbA1c reduction at 12 months and the latest review (just prior to the study) were: 66.5 (22.8) & 69.0 (24.0), 67.0 (16.3) & 66.0 (28.0), and 67.0 (22.5) & 66.5 (25.8) respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons from baseline). Significant improvements in body weight (in kilograms) from baseline to study end were noticed with dapagliflozin - 101 (29.5) to 92.2 (25.6), and canagliflozin 100 (28.3) to 95.3 (27.5) only. Significant reductions in median systolic and diastolic BP, from 144 (21) mmHg to 139 (23) mmHg; (P = 0.015), and from 82 (16) mmHg to 78 (19) mmHg; (P < 0.001) respectively were also observed. A significant reduction of microalbuminuria was observed with canagliflozin only [ACR 14.6 (42.6) at baseline to 8.9 (23.7) at the study end; P = 0.043]. Adverse effects of SGLT-2i were as follows: genital thrush and urinary infection - 20 (8.8%) & 17 (7.5%) with dapagliflozin; 9 (5.6%) & 5 (3.13%) with canagliflozin; and 4 (5%) & 4 (5%) with empagliflozin. Diabetic ketoacidosis was observed in 4 (1.8%) with dapagliflozin and 1 (0.63%) with canagliflozin. Treatment of patients with SGLT-2i is associated with statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and better than those reported in RCTs, with low side effect profiles. A review of large-scale real-world data is needed to inform better clinical practice decision making.

Interobserver agreement of current and new proposed endoscopic scores for postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease

Background and AimsThe modified Rutgeerts’ score (mRS) is widely used for the assessment of endoscopic postoperative recurrence (ePOR) in Crohn’s disease (CD) after ileocolic resection to guide therapeutic decisions. To improve the validity and prognostic value of this endoscopic assessment, two new scores have been proposed. This study assessed the interobserver agreement of the current (mRS) and new endoscopic scores for ePOR in CD. MethodsSixteen Dutch academic and non-academic IBD specialists assessed endoscopic videos (n=71) of postoperative CD patients (n=66) retrieved from nine Dutch centers. Each video was assessed for the degree of inflammation by four gastroenterologists using the mRS and the new proposed endoscopic score: REMIND score (separate score of anastomosis and neoterminal ileum) and updated Rutgeerts score (assessment of lesions at the anastomotic line, ileal inlet, ileal body and neoterminal ileum). In addition, lesions at the ileal body, ileal inlet, neoterminal ileum, colonic and/or ileal blind loop were separately assessed. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ weighted kappa. ResultsFleiss’ weighted kappa for the mRS was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.74). The weighted kappa for the REMIND score was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65–0.80) for lesions in the neoterminal ileum and 0.46 (95% CI 0.35–0.58) for anastomotic lesions. The weighted kappa for the updated Rutgeerts’ score was 0.69 (95% CI 0.62–0.77). The weighted kappa for lesions in the ileal body, ileal inlet, neoterminal ileum, colonic and ileal blind loop was 0.61 (95% CI 0.49–0.73), 0.63 (95% CI 0.54–0.72), 0.61 (95% CI 0.49–0.74), 0.83 (95% CI 0.62–1.00) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.46–0.89). ConclusionThe interobserver agreement of the mRS is substantial. Similarly, the interobserver agreement is substantial for the updated Rutgeerts’ score. According to the REMIND score, the interobserver agreement was substantial for lesions in the neoterminal ileum, whereas only moderate for anastomotic lesions. Since therapeutic decisions in clinical practice are based on these assessments and these scores are used as outcome measure in clinical studies, further improvement of the interobserver agreement is essential.

The German Guideline on Liver Transplantation by DGVS and DGAV

The S2k guideline "Liver Transplantation", jointly developed by the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV), represents the first German-language guideline for the care of adult patients before and after liver transplantation. This guideline has been crafted through a collaborative, consensus-based approach, involving experts from various disciplines. It integrates current scientific insights and clinical experience to ensure optimal care for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Targeting health care professionals in diagnostics and therapy, patient advocates, affected individuals, and their families, the guideline aims to establish a framework for common decisions in clinical practice.

Short Versus Regular Periods of Cast Immobilization for Distal Radial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The current research on the recommended durations for cast immobilization in adults with distal radial fractures (DRFs) lacks a clear consensus or definitive conclusion. The standard practice involves casting immobilization for five to six weeks. The debate revolves around the potential benefits of shorter periods (three to four weeks) without compromising patient outcomes. While previous research has delved into this subject through systematic reviews, our study stands out by conducting a meta-analysis, aiming for a more precise understanding of whether short or regular cast immobilization duration proves more effective for treating DRFs. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. The focus was on comparing the outcomes of DRFs between short (three to four weeks) and regular (five to six weeks) periods of cast immobilization. The evaluated parameters include the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (quick (q) DASH); patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE); visual analog scale (VAS) score after cast removal; total complications; and the occurrence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Data synthesis employed the random-effects models, presenting the results as mean difference (MD) and weighted odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 252 patients, of whom 125 (49.6%) were immobilized in a cast for three to four weeks. The average age of participants was 61.20 years, and the follow-up duration was one year. The QDASH scores were significantly lower at 12 weeks (MD -6.72; 95% CI -10.76 to -2.69; p = 0.001), six months (MD -4.46; 95% CI -7.42 to -1.50; p = 0.003), and one year (MD -4.89; 95% CI -7.45 to -2.33; p = 0.0002) in patients treated with short periods compared to those with regular periods. The PRWE scores at six months (MD -2.33; 95% CI -8.10 to 3.43; p=0.43) did not significantly differ between groups. Also, the PRWE scores were significantly lower at one year (MD -4.93; 95% CI -9.03 to -0.82; p = 0.02) in the shorter cast-immobilization-period group. There were no significant differences in VAS score after cast removal, total complications, or CRPS. The meta-analysis of RCTs on DRFs reveals that shorter periods of cast immobilization lead to better patient-reported functional outcomes (qDASH and PRWE). This suggests a potential benefit of reducing the immobilization duration for DRF patients, offering clinicians valuable insights for improved patient care and informed decision-making in clinical practice.

Multidisciplinary survey on use of feeding tubes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy in Germany—the SUFEETUBE project

Background and objectiveData on enteral tube feeding in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy vary considerably between German institutions. This survey aims to investigate the management of feeding tubes in an interdisciplinary context across Germany.Materials and methodsBetween December 2022 and May 2023, 70 participants (42 radiation oncologists, 12 medical oncologists, 14 head and neck surgeons, and 2 physicians covering several specialties) responded to our web-based survey. In addition to the type of institution (university hospital, private practice, etc.), their age, and professional experience (in years), participants were asked several questions on the indication and institutional policy for tube placement and management (prophylactic/reactive nasogastric or gastrostomy tube). All questions were mandatory single- or multiple-choice questions, while additional comments were possible by email.ResultsMost participants were employed at a university hospital (n = 52; 74.3%) and came from a radiation oncology background (n = 42; 60%). Fifty-four contributors (77.1%) reported that no nutritional risk screening prior to chemoradiotherapy was routinely performed, and 71.4% (n = 50) stated that no standardized protocol was used at the institution to set the indication for tube placement. Generally, policies and methods of tube feeding vary considerably between the individual institutions and specialties. However, the majority (n = 56, 80%) recommended a prophylactic percutaneous enteral gastrostomy (PEG) tube to their patients before chemoradiotherapy. Still, there was no consistent trend regarding the approach for reactive tube feeding.ConclusionThe policies and methods of tube feeding vary considerably between the individual institutions and specialties in Germany. In the era of individualized medicine, uniform protocols are difficult to establish. However, a baseline nutritional risk screening could simplify decision-making in clinical practice.