Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training Research Articles

Importance of the C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Mycosis Fungoides.

The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) lately has demonstrated as a prognostic factor and an indicator of disease activity, severity and prognosis in solid organ malignancies and inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of CAR have not been investigated in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients yet. This study aimed to determine the potential role of CAR as a diagnostic and a prognostic indicator in MF. We retrospectively investigated the electronic medical records of 97 patients with MF admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of Health Sciences University, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital between January 2014 and December 2020. In total, 60 patients with MF were enrolled in the study. CAR was evaluated, patient and control group. Also, the other clinicopathological factors including age, lactate dehydrogenase, stage of disease, beta-2-microglobulin levels, and sedimentation levels were evaluated. The median value of CAR was 0.85 (0.10-7.51) in the patient group, whereas it was 0.39 (0.0-1.11) in the control group (P < 0.001). Patients with disease progression (N = 16, 13M, 3 F) had a median value of CAR 0.84 (0.10-7.51) and the median value of CAR (N = 44) was 0.86 (0.12-4.57) in the group of patients with stable disease. The CAR value had no prognostic significance (P > 0.05). There is no association between the CAR and progression in the stage in MF patients. But the CAR is significantly higher in patients with MF than in the control group. The CAR can be a guide for us in cases where we have difficulty in diagnosing.

Comparison of the Distribution of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Causative Agents Between Intensive Care Units and Other Clinics.

To compare the trends in the distribution of healthcare associated infectious (HAIs) and causative agents in intensive care units (ICUs) and other clinics. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye, from 2015 to 2022. The study included patients who were diagnosed with HAIs and admitted to both the ICUs and the clinics. The data of HAIs identified between 2015-2022 were accessed and analysed retrospectively from the surveillance records of the IPC committee between 28.05.2023-07.08.2023. There was a decreasing trend observed in both ICU and clinics regarding the ratio of patients developing HAIs and the overall HAI rate (all p-values <0.001). These two measures were found to be significantly lower in the years 2019-2022 compared to the years 2015-2018. Over the years, particularly after 2020, a significant increasing trend in carbapenem resistance was observed in E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa (p=0.009, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The ratio of patients developing HAIs in the ICUs was higher than in the clinics (p<0.001). There was an increasing trend in the ratio of pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) in ICUs. The increasing ratio of BSI and pneumonia in ICUs highlighted the need to review infection control bundles. Carbapenem resistance has been increasing over the years, suggesting that antimicrobial description and consumption practices should be re-evaluated, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Intensive Care Unit, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance, Infection prevention and control, Antibiotic resistance.

Can the mucosal attacks of Behçet’s disease be predicted?

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between disease activity and serum and salivary procalcitonin (Pct) levels in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD). The study included patients diagnosed with BD and age-matched healthy volunteers (N: 48, N: 32). Serum and salivary Pct levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the laboratories of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital. No significant disparity was observed in serum and salivary Pct levels between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no noteworthy correlation between disease activity and serum and salivary Pct values (p > 0.05). However, the serum Pct level in patients with active oral ulcers was significantly elevated compared to those without active oral ulcers (p: 0.003). Serum Pct emerges as a valuable marker for monitoring oral aphthous ulcer attacks within the patient population.

Comparison of the Conventional PNL with Ecirs in the Treatment of Complete Staghorn Kidney Stones.

To analyse the results of conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in treating complete staghorn kidney calculi. A comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study:Department of Urology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2007 and January 2022. Clinical data and surgical outcomes of the adult patients who underwent conventional PNL or ECIRS were retrospectively reviewed. Two patient groups were compared regarding the fluoroscopy time, the number of access, surgical time, duration of hospitalisation, haemoglobin (Hb) reduction, complication, and stone-free rates. Results:There were 132 renal units in the conventional PNL (Group 1) and 45 renal units in the ECIRS group (Group 2). The comparative analysis revealed that fluoroscopy time, surgical time, duration of hospital stay, number of access, and the Hb drop were significantly lower in the ECIRS group compared to the conventional PNL group. Although stone-free rates were 48.5% in Group 1 and 64.4% in Group 2, p=0.064 and p>0.05 respectively). The median value of the complication grade was 1 (1-7) in Group 1 and 1 (1-5) in Group 2, (U=2446.5, p=0.026). Conclusion:The ECIRS is a successful and more secure surgical method for treating complete staghorn stones than PNL. PNL, ECIRS, Staghorn, Kidney, Stone.

The Role of Interferons in Cardiac Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

To determine the relationship of serial interferon (IFN) measurements and adverse cardiac remodeling (AR) after myocardial infarction (MI). Observational multi-centre study. Departments of Cardiology of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Numune Training and Research Hospital, and Dr. Nafiz Sincan Korez State Hospital, Turkey, from June 2015 to June 2020. Forty-seven patients with acute MI were included. IFN levels were measured on the first day and at 14 days and 45 days post-MI. Reverse cardiac remodeling (RR) and AR were defined as the reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic volume by ≥12% and increases of ≥12% by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at the 6-month follow-up. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Median IFN-α (50.1 vs. 34.8 pg/mL, p=0.035), IFN-β (39.1 vs. 23.0 pg/mL, p=0.013), and IFN-γ (26.7 vs. 18.5 pg/mL, p=0.023) levels on the first day post-MI were higher in the AR group compared to the RR group. At 14 days post-MI, IFN levels had decreased in the AR group, while they had not changed in the RR group. At 45 days post-MI, IFN levels were similar between the AR and RR groups. High IFN-α level on the first-day post-MI was an independent predictor of AR (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.43, p=0.008). High IFN levels in the acute phase post-MI are associated with AR. Among IFNs, IFN-α is an important predictor of AR. Stable IFN levels appear to be associated with cardiac healing. Cardiac remodeling, Interferons, Inflammation, Myocardial infarction.

Utilization of Internet Resources by Surgeons for Continuous Professional Development in the Era of Prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic: Trends and Obstacles.

BackgroundTo investigate the use of internet resources by surgeons for continuing professional development (CPD).ResultsThis cross-sectional study was carried out between July 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021, at the Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, with participants from nine surgical specialties: General surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, plastic surgery, ear-nose-throat surgery, cardiovascular surgery, ophthalmology, and anesthesiology. All study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising 23 questions regarding their age, duration of work experience, appointment status, venue, and time spent on internet resources and preferred online resources for CPD purposes. In addition, participants were divided into two groups according to their appointment status: academic faculty and staff surgeons. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 17.0. The target population consisted of 216 specialists. The survey was completed by 204 (94.4%) surgical specialists. The majority of the specialists (n = 137, 67.2%) reported using the internet for work-related purposes every day. Daily time spent on internet resources was reported to be 30–60 min by 39.2% (n = 80) participants, whereas 52 (25.5%) reported spending less than 30 min. The participants wished to spend more time on internet resources. The majority of surgeons found the hospital and home equally effective in using the internet and preferred to engage alone. The mean age, English language level, usage of online resources, and the attitude score toward the perceived credibility and usefulness of e-resources were significantly higher in the academic faculty group than staff surgeons (p < 0.005). On the other hand, the use of Google/Google scholar was similar between the two groups (p = 0.192). Technical difficulties such as slow internet, need for website registration, and article fees were considered drawbacks for internet resources among all the participants.ConclusionsThis study showed that most surgeons use internet resources daily for CPD and stated they would like to engage longer despite technical difficulties. Institutions should address these technical difficulties.

Normative Measurements and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values of Parotid Lymph Nodes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

To determine the morphological features and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of normal intraparotid lymph nodes (IPLNs) obtained from the MRI examination. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Health Sciences University, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Ankara, Turkey, from January 2018 to December 2021. The study included 232 patients who underwent neck MRI examination. The long axis diameter (LAD) was measured as the largest diameter of the IPLN, and the short axis diameter (SAD) was measured perpendicular to the LAD. ADC measurements were undertaken by placing the largest region of interest suitable for the size of the IPLNs. A total of 394 lymph nodes were evaluated. The median LAD and SAD of the lymph nodes were 5.50 (2.50) mm and 3.50 (2.00) mm, respectively. The LAD was 9 mm or lower in 95.7% of the lymph nodes; the SAD was 6 mm or lower in 94.7%. The ADC map was evaluated in 275 IPLNs, with the median ADC value being calculated as 0.77(0.18)x10-3 mm2/s. The ADC value was 1.05x10-3 mm2/s or lower in 96.3% of the lymph nodes. A SAD of 6 mm; and a LAD of 9 mm could be used as normalcy criteria in IPLNs. Normal IPLNs may have an ADC of 1.05x10-3 mm2/s or lower. Considering that benign IPLNs may have low ADC values, those can prevent false-positive results in terms of malignancy. Parotid glands, Lymph nodes, Magnetic resonance imaging, Apparent diffusion coefficient.

The Overlap in Neuroimaging Findings Between Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

The neuroimaging findings of brain stem atrophy resembling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) radiology are common in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) subjects. Besides, recent studies report the existence of iNPH-like MRI findings in PSP subjects. We aimed to comparatively investigate the neuroimaging indices of iNPH and PSP in our patient groups in a detailed methodology. Ultimately, 19 probable PSP patients and 18 patients with a definite diagnosis of iNPH were enrolled. The subjects were recruited retrospectively from those who had been admitted between 2017 and 2021 to the Movement Disorders Polyclinic and the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Education Hospital. MRI-based DESH score, Evans index, and the callosal angle (CA) have been calculated in all the individuals. Besides, quantitative MRI parameters of PSP were evaluated in every subject. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The comparative analyses regarding the radiological parameters of PSP did not reveal any difference between patient groups. On the other hand, the comparisons of the neuroimaging parameters of iNPH, yielded differences in the CA, CA score, and the total DESH score. However, the ROC curve analyses did not reveal a discriminative power at a value of "very good" or "excellent" in any of the indices. We found that the neuroimaging features of iNPH and PSP highly overlapped between these patient groups. These results may provide indirect evidence regarding the coexistence of PSP and iNPH pathophysiology that has been deliberated in several recent reports.

Comparison of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Levodopa is the most effective drug in the symptomatic treatment of the disease. Dopamine receptor agonists provide sustained dopamin-ergic stimulation and have been found to delay the initiation of levodopa treatment and reduce the frequency of various motor complications due to the long-term use of levodopa. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of potent nonergoline dopamine agonists pramipexole and ropinirole in both "dopamine agonist monotherapy group" and "levodopa add-on therapy group" in Parkinson's disease. The secondary aims were to evaluate the effects of these agents on depression and the safety of pramipexole and ropinirole. A total of 44 patients aged between 36 and 80 years who were presented to the neurology clinic at Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey and were diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, were included into this randomized parallel-group clinical study. Dopamine agonist monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy patients were randomized into two groups to receive either pramipexole or ropinirole. The maximum daily dosages of pramipexole and ropinirole were 4.5 mg and 24 mg respectively. Patients were followed for 6 months and changes on Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness, Clinical Global Impression-improvement, Beck Depression Inven-tory scores, and additionally in advanced stages, changes in levodopa dosages were evaluated. Drug associated side effects were noted and compared. In dopamine agonist monotherapy group all of the subsections and total scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness of the pramipexole subgroup showed significant improvement particularly at the end of the sixth month. In the pramipexole subgroup of levodopa add-on therapy group, there were significant improvements on Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness and Beck Depression Inventory scores, but we found significant improvement on Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness score at the end of the sixth month in ropinirole subgroup too. The efficacy of pramipexole and ropinirole as antiparkinsonian drugs for monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy in Parkinson's disease and their effects on motor complications when used with levodopa treatment for add-on therapy have been demonstrated in several previous studies. This study supports the effectiveness and safety of pramipexole and ropinirole in the monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Effect of Exenatide Therapy on Platelet Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of exenatide treatment on platelet function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Case-control observational study. University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara from October 2016 to October 2018. This study included 50 patients with type 2 DM, who had started exenatide therapy; and age-gender matched 54 control subjects. The biochemical data and BMI of the patients were analysed at the time of admission and after six months of exenatide treatment. PDW (platelet distribution width) and MPV (mean platelet volume) were higher in the diabetic patient group than in the control group (p <0.01 and p=0.036, respectively). Significant positive correlations were determined between PDW and BMI (p<0.001), FPG (p <0.001), and HbA1c (p<0.001). After six months of exenatide treatment, PDW (p = 0.015) values and platelet count (p = 0.003) were significantly decreased. Exenatide causes a decrease in PDW value and platelet count independent of its positive effect on lipid profile, glycemic regulation, and weight loss, which contributes to explain the effect of treatment on the cardiovascular system through a different mechanism. Key Words: Exenatide, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Platelet count, Platelet distribution width, Mean platelet volume.

Investigation of Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Genes of Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Single-centre Experience.

To investigate the genetic causes of colorectal cancers (CRCs); and to determine the genotype-phenotype correlation. Descriptive study. Department of Medical Genetics, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research, Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2018 and January 2020. 59 cancer susceptibility genes of 41 patients, included in the study and diagnosed with CRC, were examined using next generation sequencing (NGS) technique. Statistical analysis of the possible relationships among the mutation carrier status of the patients and the parameters of gender, age at diagnosis, and family cancer history, were performed. The mean age at diagnosis of all CRC patients was 48.7 years (range 28-74). Mutations in MLH1, MSH6, CHEK2, PMS2 and MUTYH genes were detected in 10 patients (24.4%). The mean age at diagnosis of CRC was 46.2 years in those who carried the mutation, while it was 49.5 years in those without. Carriers and non-mutation carriers, when compared in terms of age at diagnosis, gender, family cancer history, no significant difference was observed. Genes that may cause susceptibility to cancer may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the CRC. NGS-based multigene panels allow these genes to be detected in the patient and to identify an inherited cancer syndrome. Key Words: Colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, Hereditary cancer, Gene, Next generation sequencing.

Surgical Resection Length and Harvested Lymph Nodes in Colon Cancer.

To determine the relationship between resected specimen length and tumor location, the number of LN harvested (LNh), and the positive LN ratio (LNR) in colon cancer. A descriptive study. Place & Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2009 and December 2019. Colon specimens resected for colon cancer were evaluated retrospectively, in terms of tumor location, type of surgery, resected colon length, LNh and the number of metastatic LN, based on hospital records. Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis along with Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc tests were applied. The lymph node ratio (LNR) (= ratio of LN+ to LNh), the number of lymph nodes per unit distance (LNh/cm), the ratio of LNR to length of specimen (LNR/cm) were evaluated. The rate of ≥12 LNh in 644 colon cancer patients was 81.4%. The length of colon specimen and the number of harvested lymph nodes (LNh) were higher in patients, who underwent subtotal colectomy (StC), compared to patients who underwent right and left hemicolectomy (RhC and LhC, p<0.001). Inadequate LNh was more common in LhC patients (p<0.001). The ratio of the number of LNh to the length of the resected specimen (LNh/cm) was higher in RhC and LhC patients than StC patients (p<0.001). LNR and LNR/cm were higher in LhC patients, though mean specimen length was shorter in LhC patients (p<0.05). The number of LNh had a direct proportion with the resected specimen length; however, the LNh/cm and LNR/cm ratios decreased in >50 cm length specimen patients (p<0.001). Central LN dissection and vascular high ligation, according to tumor site are more efficient than the length of the resected specimen for an adequate LN dissection in colon cancers. Key Words: Colon cancer, Harvested lymph node, Specimen length, Adequate dissection.

Ocular surface assessment in maturity-onset diabetes of the young

To examine ocular surface changes in patients with maturity-onset diabetes of young (MODY). Fifty patients with MODY who were transferred to Genetic Diagnosis Department of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital have been included. All patients were subjected to Ocular Surface Illness Index (OSDI) survey, shirmer test, invasive and non-invasive tear break up time (TBUT), cornea fluorescein, and Lissamine green dye tests. Lastly, meibography measurements have been completed using Sirius Scheimpflug camera (Sirius, CSO, Florence, Italy). All 50 patients had a glucokinase (GCK) mutation. MODY diagnosis time was 5.0 ± 5.5 years (range: 0–20 years) on an average. While the average HBa1c levels were 5.5 (range: 4.8–6.5, reference range: 4–6), none of the patients were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in fundus examination. There was no significant difference between MODY and control group in terms of OSDI score, Schirmer 1 test, meibomian gland loss, average BUT, TBUT ((p)0.05). Our work is the first one which specifically evaluates ocular surface in MODY patients. Contrary to the common concept that “dry eye is frequently seen in type 1 and type 2 DM,” we did not come across any significant difference between MODY and control group in ocular surface tests. It might be linked to the fact that not enough time had passed for DR or DES symptoms to be detected. Our patients’ average diabetes diagnosis length might be a short time span for clinical symptoms like DR and DES to show up.

Assessment of obsessive-compulsive disorder comorbidity and obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives:To assess obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) comorbidity and obsessive-compulsive symptom (OCS) dimensions in patients with schizophrenia.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 300 patients with schizophrenia who were applied to the to the Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic of Health Sciences University Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between July and December 2018. Data collection forms created by researchers were applied to the individuals. Obsessive-compulsive symptom were assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and the Dimensional Obsessive Compulsive Scale (DOCS).Results:The OCD prevalence was 17% (n=50) in the whole group while 10% (n=24/250) of the patients without OCD had 8-15 points at YBOCS. One-way ANOVA test revealed that the patients with OCD showed more severe positive, negative, and depressive symptoms, and also had lower functionality compared to those without OCD (p<0.05). The most severe OCS dimension was unacceptable obsessional thoughts in the patients with OCD and OCS. The severity of unacceptable obsessional thoughts was positively correlated with the depressive symptom severity, and negatively correlated with onset age of OCD and insight level in Pearson correlation analysis.Conclusion:Patients with schizophrenia should be evaluated for presence of the OCS/OCD comorbidity in clinical practice. In addition, dimensional assessment of OCS might provide a different viewpoint on the presence of OCS/OCD in schizophrenia.

Spontaneous regression of extruded lumbar disc herniation: Correlation with clinical outcome.

Objective:To evaluate the natural history of lumbar extruded disc with conservative treatment on MRI and to assess relation between the radiologic changes and clinical outcome.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted at University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital between May 2015-June 2018. It included consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having lumbar symptomatic extruded disc as shown in MRI. After an average period of 17.0±7.2 months, repeat MRI was taken in 40 patients who received only conservative care during follow-up. Changes in the volume of herniated disc was measured. The patients were assigned into 3 groups as follow: (1) non-regression, (2) partial-regression, and (3) complete resolution. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI) and muscle weakness were evaluated.Results:Based on disc volume of the T2-weighted MR images; four patients (10%) did not show any regression, six patients (15%) had a partial regression, and 30 patients (75%) had a complete resolution. Patients with complete resolution showed a significant improvement in the NRS pain score and the ODI score (p<0,001) over time. In patients with partial regression, only the ODI score improved significantly (p=0,043). Non-regression group did not show any improvement in any clinical outcome measure (p>0,05). Changes in the NRS scores over time were significantly higher in complete resolution group compared to non-regression group (p=0.016).Conclusion:The majority of the patients with extruded lumbar disc herniation might have reduction in size of herniated disc in the long run along with improvement in symptoms and function with conservative care.

Effectiveness of the Group Psychoeducation Program in Bipolar Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness of the group psychoeducation program in euthymic bipolar disorder. Method: Sixty patients with bipolar disorder followed at the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital were enrolled into the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, 30 patients were followed with medical treatment while 30 patients participated in a group psychoeducation program along with medical therapy. The program consisted of sixteen weekly sessions and each session lasted 90 minutes. Hamilton Depression Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Bipolar Functional Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, Morisky Treatment Adherence Scale and The Scale for the Assessment of Insight scales were applied to the patients. Non-parametric Mann Whitney-U and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess effectiveness of the group psychoeducation program. Findings: There was no significant change in depression and mania scores with the adminsitration of group psychoeducation, however, those included in group psychoeducation showed a significant increase in general functioning level, insight, and treatment adherence. In addition, psychoeducation program improved stigmatization, introversion, and daily functioning scores. Depression and mania scores were significantly higher at the 16th week compared to at baseline in the patients not applied group psychoeducation. Group psychoeducation program increased initiative and occupational functionality in this study. Conclusion: Group psychoeducation program increased the functionality and insight of the patients in this study. The administration of psychosocial interventions in clinical practice might improve the functionality of patients with bipolar disorder. Structured prospective studies are needed to evaluate the short and long-term effects of psychosocial interventions in bipolar disorder.

The efficacy of double filtration plasmapheresis in the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: A single-center experience

IntroductionDifferent modalities of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis are used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of the Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) method for FH cases in our hands and to compare with other LDL apheresis techniques. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted between January 2016 and January 2018 in the University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Adult Hematology Clinic and Therapeutic Apheresis Unit. The study included 5 patients with a diagnosis of homozygous FH. A total of 288 DFFP procedures were performed twice a month (every 15 days) for 2 years. ResultsThe percentage reductions in Lipoprotein A, total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein-C, High Density Lipoprotein-C and triglyceride levels were found to be 84%, 69.2%, 69.8%, 58.8% and 50.1% respectively (5 cases, n = 288). No cardiac event occurred after the initiation of LA with DFPP. ConclusionDFPP is an effective and safe LA method that can be used in the treatment of homozygous FH patients who do not respond to diet and statin therapy.

Does Previous Failed Shockwave Lithotripsy Treatment Have an Influence on Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Outcome?

Background: The prevalence of urolithiasis is nearly 20% and patients with urolithiasis constitute an essential part of the patients referred to the urology clinic. Many parameters should be considered for the management of renal stones and authors recommend extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), as treatment options. Among these techniques, SWL does not require general anesthesia, has 89% success rate for renal pelvic stones: 83% for upper caliceal stones, 84% for middle caliceal stones, and 68% for lower caliceal stones. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the previously failed SWL treatment affects RIRS outcome. Methods: Patients who underwent RIRS for kidney stones between January 2012 and December 2017 in Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Patients treated with primary RIRS (186 patients) were classified as Group 1. The outcomes of these patients were compared with those of 186 patients who underwent RIRS after failed SWL treatment using matched-pair analysis, and these patients were classified as Group 2. Results: The procedure success was defined as the sum of the stone-free and clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRFs); final success rates were 90.3% and 91.9%, respectively. If we compare the final success rates, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups (P = .584). Conclusions: As a result, there is no negative effect of the previous unsuccessful SWL treatment on the RIRS success. Patients with CIRF should be followed up more carefully in terms of becoming symptomatic.

Infections in patients with lymphoma: An analysis of incidence, relationship and risk factors.

Bacterial infections and febrile neutropenia (FN) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of infections in lymphoma patients. This retrospective study was conducted on 200 lymphoma patients diagnosed and treated between January 2009 and December 2017 in Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The mean follow-up period was 20.09 ± 19.81 months. The incidence of infection episode (IE) was 32.5% (65/200) and FN was 18.5% (37/200). Analysis of the data revealed that patients with IE had significantly higher rates of diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), lower baseline hemoglobin, lower baseline hematocrit, higher baseline lactate dehydrogenase levels, higher usage of central cathater, and a higher number of chemotherapy lines compared to patients with no IE. In logistic regression analysis, disease subtype of PCNSL, usage of central catheter and lactate deyhydrogenase (LDH) were found to increase the risk of infection. The odds ratio for PCNSL was 37.866 (p = 0.003), 2.679 for central catheter (p = 0.008) and 1.001 for LDH (p = 0.011). The risk of infection in patients with lymphoma was associated with central catheter usage, higher LDH levels and a diagnosis of PCNSL. Baseline hematological parameters were not determined to have any impact on the occurrence of infection. Patients with these risk factors should be monitored more carefully and the maximum level of infection prevention should be taken.

Is antimicrobial prophylaxis necessary for lymphoma patients? A single centre, real-life experience.

Prophylaxis is strongly recommended in patients with hematological malignancy who are usually at higher risk for infection and neutropenic fever. It is still unclear whether or not there is a definite need for antimicrobial prophylaxis in intermediate-risk hematology patients such as those with lymphoma. A retrospective analysis was made of patients admitted from January 2009 to December 2017 to the Hematology Department of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The study included patients who were diagnosed with any type of lymphoma and given chemotherapy. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered to 127 lymphoma patients, and not to 65 lymphoma patients. These two groups were compared in respect of the incidence of total infection episodes (IE), febrile neutropenia episodes, and nonneutropenic clinically documented infection episodes. For all patients with lymphoma and subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, no significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the total incidence of IE, febrile neutropenia and nonneutropenic clinically documented infection both during the first-line chemotherapy and throughout the total follow-up period (p > 0.05). Patients with prophylaxis had a higher incidence of IE, which was treated with parenteral antibiotics both during the first-line chemotherapy and throughout the total follow-up period (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial prophylaxis was seen to have no effect on the total incidence of infection episode and febrile neutropenia. Therefore, the routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis should not be recommended for patients with lymphoma.