Disease Duration Research Articles

Clinical factors influencing the success rate of radioiodine treatment for Graves' disease.

To investigate the impact of various clinical factors associated with Graves' disease on the success rate of radioiodine (RAI) therapy for Graves' disease within 3 years, and to determine the optimal range of iodine dosage per unit volume that yields the highest cure rate for Graves' disease within 1 year. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with Graves' disease who underwent RAI therapy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between October 2012 and October 2022. The cumulative success rate was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to evaluate factors associated with successful treatment of Graves' disease. Outcomes were categorized as either success or failure for all patients. Overall, 1994 patients were enrolled in this study, including 594 (29.8%) male and 1399 (70.2%) female patients. The success and failure groups comprised 1645 (82.4%) and 349 patients (17.6%), respectively, after a 3-year follow-up period. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that sex, antithyroid drug (ATD) use before RAI therapy, age, thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) levels, iodine dose, thyroid mass, and early ATD use before RAI therapy were independent influencing factors for Graves' disease cure. We found that female patients and those with TRAbs ≥31.83 IU/L and thyroid mass ≥ 73.42 g had a lower cure rate. Therefore, thyroid size, disease severity, and duration of disease should be comprehensively considered when making treatment decisions and iodine dose selection in clinical practice.

All-cause and cause-specific mortality risk and loss in life expectancy associated with incident type 2 diabetes onset age and duration.

Evidence on type 2 diabetes onset age and duration on mortality risk has been limited by short follow-up, inadequate control for confounding, missing repeated measurements, and inability to cover the full range of onset age, duration, and major causes of death. Moreover, scarce data dissect how type 2 diabetes onset age and duration shape life expectancy. We evaluate prospectively these topics based on 270,075 eligible participants in the Nurses' Health Studies and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, leveraging repeated measurements throughout up to 40 years of follow-up. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In fully adjusted analyses, incident early onset type 2 diabetes (diagnosed <40 years of age) was associated with significantly higher mortality from all-causes (HR, 95% CI was 3.16, 2.64-3.79; vs. individuals without type 2 diabetes), cardiovascular disease (6.56, 4.27-10.1), respiratory disease (3.43, 1.38-8.51), neurodegenerative disease (5.13, 2.09-12.6), and kidney disease (8.55, 1.98-36.9). The relative risk elevations declined dramatically with each higher decade of age at diagnosis for deaths from most of these causes, though the absolute risk difference increased continuously. A substantially higher cumulative incidence of mortality and a greater loss in life expectancy were associated with younger age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Longer disease duration was associated with generally higher relative and absolute risk of mortality. Early onset of type 2 diabetes and longer disease duration are associated with substantially increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality and greater loss in life expectancy.

COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease: a single-center study and Mendelian randomization study

To investigate the association between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease (PD) via a single-center study and a Mendelian randomization (MR) study. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among PD patients at a single center from December 7, 2022, to March 10, 2023. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the infection-related risk factors. Subsequently, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization was employed to explore the association between COVID-19 and PD. In the cross-sectional analysis, it was found that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in PD patients was 65.7%. Forty-eight (35.3%) PD patients experienced exacerbation of motor symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Long PD disease duration (≥ 10 years) (OR: 3.327, P = 0.045) and long time since last vaccination (> 12 m) (OR: 4.916, P = 0.035) were identified as significant risk factors related to infection. The MR analysis results supported that PD increases the COVID-19 susceptibility (β = 0.081, OR = 1.084, P = 0.006). However, the MR analysis showed that PD did not increases the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization, and no significant association of COVID-19 on PD was observed. The findings from this cross-sectional study suggest that individuals with PD may experience worsened motor symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Long disease duration (≥10 years) and long time since last vaccination (> 12 m) are identified as important risk factors for infection in these patients. Furthermore, our MR study provides evidence supporting an association between PD and COVID-19 susceptibility.

Prevalence of very high cardiovascular disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population-based cross-sectional screening study.

The 2019 ESC/EASD guidelines categorize cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Assessing CVD risk is necessary to identify individuals at very high risk of CVD, enabling tailored and precise intervention for this high-risk population. This study aims to evaluate the severity of a very high risk for CVD stratification among patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) across different regions in China. We conducted a cross-sectional screening study from 1 January 2020 to 30 December 2022. Disease duration, body mass index (BMI), targeted organ damage, such as atherosclerotic heart disease, proteinuria, impaired renal function, left ventricular hypertrophy, retinopathy and known CVD risk factors, were collected from diabetic patients by professionally trained physicians. The risk of CV in patients with DM was categorized into two groups: very high risk and others, according to the 2019 ESC/EASD guidelines. In total, 1 870 720 participants from 1669 hospitals in 30 provinces of China, excluding Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, were enrolled from 2020 to 2022, among whom 67.50% of patients with T2DM were at very high risk for CVD. The proportions of very high-risk T2DM were higher in Northeast China (75.82%), Central China (73.65%) and Southwest China (72.66%), while the lowest prevalence of very high-risk T2DM was found in Southern China (60.15%). The multivariate binary logistic regression analyses suggested that the category of very high risk for CVD is associated with age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.04; p < .0001], BMI (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.07-1.07; p < .0001), duration of DM (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.05-1.05; p < .0001), hypertension (OR = 3.75; 95% CI: 3.72-3.78; p < .0001), dyslipidaemia (OR = 5.22; 95% CI: 5.18-5.27; p < .0001) and smoking (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 2.89-2.95; p < .0001). This study represented the largest observational study of CVD risk assessment in patients with T2DM in China. The CVD risk situation of patients with diabetes in China is critical, and comprehensive control and management of CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, BMI and dyslipidaemia, in patients with DM need to be strengthened in patients with T2DM in China.

Multinational Drug Survival Study of Omalizumab in Patients With Chronic Urticaria and Potential Predictors for Discontinuation.

Treating patients with chronic urticaria using omalizumab has been shown to be safe and effective in randomized clinical trials. Multinational studies on long-term omalizumab performance in chronic urticaria in clinical practice settings are lacking, especially on drug survival. Drug survival, which refers to the length of time that patients are treated with a specific drug, is a comprehensive outcome covering effectiveness, safety, and patient and physician preferences. Furthermore, little is known about the reasons and potential predictors for omalizumab discontinuation. To investigate omalizumab drug survival as well as reasons and potential predictors for discontinuation in a large, diverse population. This international multicenter cohort study was conducted at 14 Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence in 10 countries, including all patients with chronic urticaria from these centers who were ever treated with omalizumab. Drug survival analysis was performed to assess time to discontinuation. Patient characteristics and treatment protocols were investigated by Cox regression analysis to identify potential predictors for omalizumab discontinuation. In 2325 patients with chronic urticaria who started omalizumab between June 2009 and July 2022, the mean (SD) age of the cohort was 42 (6) years, and 1650 participants (71%) were female. Overall omalizumab survival rates decreased from 76% to 39% after 1 to 7 years, respectively (median survival time, 3.3 [95 % CI, 2.9-4.0] years), primarily due to discontinuation from well-controlled disease in 576 patients (65%). Ineffectiveness and adverse effects were reasons for discontinuation in a far smaller proportion of patients, totaling 164 patients (18%) and 31 patients (4%), respectively. Fast treatment response was associated with higher rates of omalizumab discontinuation due to well-controlled disease (hazard ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.20-1.75]), and disease duration of more than 2 years was associated with lower rates of discontinuation due to well-controlled disease (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98]). Immunosuppressive cotreatment at the start of omalizumab and autoimmune disease was associated with a higher risk for discontinuation due to ineffectiveness (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.12-2.42]). The presence of spontaneous wheals (HR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.41-0.93]) and access to higher dosages (HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.27-0.58) were both associated with a lower risk for discontinuation of omalizumab due to ineffectiveness. This multinational omalizumab drug survival cohort study demonstrated that treatment of chronic urticaria with omalizumab in a clinical setting is effective and safe, and well-controlled disease is the main reason for treatment discontinuation. These findings on omalizumab drug survival rates and reasons and potential predictors for discontinuation may guide patients and physicians in clinical decision-making and expectation management. These results may call for the identification of biomarkers for chronic urticaria remission in complete responders to omalizumab treatment.

Microbiological characteristics of the lower airway in adults with bronchiectasis: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundMicrobial infection and colonization are frequently associated with disease progression and poor clinical outcomes in bronchiectasis. Identification of pathogen spectrum is crucial for precision treatment at exacerbation of bronchiectasis.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation onset and stable state. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) and metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS). Bronchiectasis patients were monitored for documenting the time to the next exacerbation during longitudinal follow-up.ResultsWe recruited 168 eligible participants in the exacerbation cohorts, and 38 bronchiectasis patients at stable state at longitudinal follow-up. 141 bronchiectasis patients at exacerbation onset had definite or probable pathogens via combining CMTs with mNGS reports. We identified that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, Haemophilus influenzae, Nocardia spp, and Staphylococcus aureus were the top 5 pathogens with a higher detection rate in our cohorts via combination of CMTs and mNGS analysis. We also observed strong correlations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, non-tuberculous mycobacteria with disease severity, including the disease duration, Bronchiectasis Severity Index, and lung function. Moreover, the adjusted pathogenic index of potential pathogenic microorganism negatively correlated (r = -0.7280, p < 0.001) with the time to the next exacerbation in bronchiectasis.ConclusionWe have revealed the pathogenic microbial spectrum in lower airways and the negative correlation of PPM colonization with the time to the next exacerbation in bronchiectasis. These results suggested that pathogens contribute to the progression of bronchiectasis.

Clinical and molecular characterization of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2G/R7 in a large cohort of Brazilian patients.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G/R7 (LGMD2G/R7) is an ultra-rare condition initially identified within the Brazilian population. We aimed to expand clinical and genetic information about this disease, including its worldwide distribution. A multicenter historical cohort study was performed at 13 centers in Brazil in which data from index cases and their affected relatives from consecutive families with LGMD2G/R7 were reviewed from July 2017 to August 2023. Additionally, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify case reports and series of the disease worldwide. Forty-one LGMD2G/R7 cases were described in the Brazilian cohort, being all subjects homozygous for the c.157C>T/(p.Gln53*) variant in TCAP. Survival curves showed that the median disease duration before individuals required walking aids was 21 years. Notably, women exhibited a slower disease progression, requiring walking aids 13 years later than men. LGMD2G/R7 was frequently reported not only in Brazil but also in China and Bulgaria, with 119 cases identified globally, with possible founder effects in the Brazilian, Eastern European, and Asian populations. These findings are pivotal in raising awareness of LGMD2G/R7, understanding its progression, and identifying potential modifiers. This can significantly contribute to the development of future natural history studies and clinical trials for this disease.

Association of MRI findings with paraspinal muscles fat infiltration at lower lumbar levels in patients with chronic low back pain: a multicenter prospective study

ObjectiveIn chronic low back pain (CLBP), the relationship between spinal pathologies and paraspinal muscles fat infiltration remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between MRI findings and paraspinal muscles morphology and fat infiltration in CLBP patients by quantitative MRI.MethodsAll the CLBP patients were enrolled from July 2021 to December 2022 in four medical institutions. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) of the multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES) muscles at the central level of the L4/5 and L5/S1 intervertebral discs were measured. MRI findings included degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS), intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), facet arthrosis, disc bulge or herniation, and disease duration. The relationship between MRI findings and the paraspinal muscles PDFF and CSA in CLBP patients was analyzed.ResultsA total of 493 CLBP patients were included in the study (198 females, 295 males), with an average age of 45.68 ± 12.91 years. Our research indicates that the number of MRI findings are correlated with the paraspinal muscles PDFF at the L4/5 level, but is not significant. Moreover, the grading of IVDD is the primary factor influencing the paraspinal muscles PDFF at the L4-S1 level (BES at L4/5=1.845, P < 0.05); DLS was a significant factor affecting the PDFF of MF at the L4/5 level (B = 4.774, P < 0.05). After including age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI) as control variables in the multivariable regression analysis, age has a significant positive impact on the paraspinal muscles PDFF at the L4-S1 level, with the largest AUC for ES PDFF at the L4/5 level (AUC = 0.646, cut-off value = 47.5), while males have lower PDFF compared to females. BMI has a positive impact on the ES PDFF only at the L4/5 level (AUC = 0.559, cut-off value = 24.535).ConclusionThe degree of paraspinal muscles fat infiltration in CLBP patients is related to the cumulative or synergistic effects of multiple factors, especially at the L4/L5 level. Although age and BMI are important factors affecting the degree of paraspinal muscles PDFF in CLBP patients, their diagnostic efficacy is moderate.

Assessing anorectal function in patients with recurrent ulcerative colitis

PurposeUlcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with an unclear etiology that can lead to irreversible changes in distal colonic function in chronic patients. This study investigated anorectal function in recurrent UC patients and identified influencing factors.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 33 recurrent UC patients and 40 newly diagnosed patients from January 2019 to December 2022. Data collection included clinical records, scores, and anorectal function assessments. Regression analyses were used to identify factors impacting anorectal function.ResultsRecurrent UC patients had higher baseline CRP and fecal calprotectin levels, increased anxiety and depression, and more severe fecal incontinence. They also had lower BMIs, serum Hb and albumin (ALB) levels, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores than did initial-onset UC patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that long disease duration (coef. − 0.376, P < 0.001) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.656, P < 0.001) independently influenced the initial sensation threshold in recurrent UC patients. Additionally, high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.073, P = 0.013) and high Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (coef. − 0.489, P = 0.001) were identified as two independent determinants of the defecation volume threshold. For the defecation urgency threshold, the independent factors included high disease duration (coef. − 0.358, P = 0.017) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.499, P = 0.001). Similarly, the sole independent factor identified for the maximum capacity threshold was high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.691, P = 0.001).ConclusionRecurrent UC patients had increased rectal sensitivity and compromised anorectal function, which significantly impacted quality of life. Proactively managing the disease, reducing UC relapses, and addressing anxiety are effective measures for improving anorectal function in these patients.

Impact of duration of chronic migraine on long-term effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway-A real-world study.

We assessed whether the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway changes according to the duration of chronic migraine (CM) over 12 months. In most patients, CM is a progressive disease starting with episodic migraine. Longer CM duration might be associated with more difficult treatment, probably because the mechanisms underlying chronicization are strengthened. Therefore, early treatment of CM could lead to better outcomes compared with later treatment. This cohort study included individuals with CM treated with anti-CGRP mAbs in two tertiary headache centers from April 2019 to May 2023. The primary outcome included a change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) from baseline to the third trimester of treatment, 10-12 months. Secondary outcomes established whether response to anti-CGRP mAbs has a more rapid onset in individuals with shorter CM duration compared with longer duration; they included change in MMDs, monthly headache days (MHDs), and days and number of intakes of acute medication during each trimester compared to baseline. Additional outcomes included persisting MMDs, MHDs, and days and number of intakes of acute medication during each trimester of treatment. Patients were compared across tertiles of the overall CM duration. The study included 335 individuals with CM, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 48 (39-57) years; 270 (80.6%) were women. Patients in the highest tertile of CM duration (aged 18-60 years) were older than patients in the lower duration tertiles (0-7 years and 8-18 years, respectively), with a median (IQR) age of 56 (48-64) years compared with 42 (31-50) years, and 48 (39-56)years, respectively (p = 0.025); however, this difference was likely due to a correlation between age and disease duration. The change in MMDs from baseline to the last trimester of treatment (10-12 months) was comparable across tertiles of CM duration (median [IQR] -12 [-18 to -5] days, -12 [-17 to -6] days, and -12 [-18 to -4] days; p = 0.946). No difference emerged in secondary outcomes, suggesting a similar time to onset of anti-CGRP mAbs effect across all tertiles of CM duration. Our data showed that anti-CGRP mAbs are effective and have a rapid onset of action in CM regardless of disease duration.

Effects of nusinersen on motor function in children with spinal muscular atrophy: a retrospective study

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic progressive neuromuscular disease. Nusinersen is the first disease modifying drug approved to treat patients with SMA. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nusinersen treatment on motor function in children with SMA.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 52 genetically confirmed SMA patients from November 2020 to September 2023. Motor function was assessed based on standardized scales from baseline to 14 months of follow-up.ResultsOf patients in this study, the majority had SMA type 2 (40/52, 76.9%), 5 (9.6%) and 7 (13.5%) patients had SMA types 1 and 3, respectively. The median disease duration was 11 months (range 0–52), and the median age at initiation of treatment was 44.5 months (range 5–192). Motor function of all the patients with SMA improved from baseline to 14 months of follow-up. Mean increases of 4.6-point (p = 0.173), 4.7-point (p = 0.021) and 2.7-point (p = 0.013) were observed from baseline to 14 months of follow-up for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), respectively. Increased disease duration and age of treatment initiation were negatively correlated with the changes in HFMSE scores (r = −0.567, p = 0.043; r = −0.771 and p = 0.002, respectively). Similar results were observed for the RULM scores (r = −0.714, p = 0.014; r = −0.638 and p = 0.035, respectively).ConclusionOur study suggested that 14 months of treatment with nusinersen was effective and improved the motor function of children with SMA types 1, 2, or 3. In addition, disease duration and age at treatment initiation were negatively correlated with treatment outcome in the patients.

Effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment of hallux valgus with small incision external articular osteotomy

To compare the effectiveness of small incision external articular minimally invasive osteotomy and traditional Chevron osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 58 patients (58 feet) with hallux valgus who were admitted between April 2019 and June 2022 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 28 cases were treated with small incision external articular minimally invasive osteotomy (minimally invasive group), and 30 cases were treated with traditional Chevron osteotomy (traditional group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, disease duration, Mann classification, and preoperative inter metatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), forefoot width, tibial sesamoid position (TSP) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, psychological score (SF-12 MCS score) and physiological score (SF-12 PCS score) of short-form 12 health survey scale, and range of motion (ROM) of metatarsophalangeal joint between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, weight-bearing walking time, fracture healing time, and incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups; as well as the changes of imaging indexes at last follow-up, and the clinical function score and ROM of metatarsophalangeal joint before operation, at 6 weeks after operation, and at last follow-up. All patients were followed up 11-31 months, with an average of 22 months. The incision length and intraoperative blood loss in the minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in the traditional group ( P<0.05), and the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency and operation time in the minimally invasive group were significantly more than those in the traditional group ( P<0.05); but no significant difference was found in weight-bearing walking time and fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was 1 case of skin injury in the minimally invasive group and 3 cases of poor incision healing in the traditional group; all patients had good healing at the osteotomy site, and no complication such as infection, nerve injury, or metatarsal head necrosis occurred. At last follow-up, the imaging indexes of the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The changes of DMAA and TSP score in the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those in the traditional group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the changes of IMA, HVA, and forefoot width between the two groups ( P>0.05). The clinical scores and ROM of metatarsophalangeal joint significantly improved in the two groups at 6 weeks after operation and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), and the indicators in the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those in the traditional group ( P<0.05). Compared with traditional Chevron osteotomy, small incision external articular minimally invasive osteotomy can effectively improve HVA, IMA, and forefoot width, correct foot deformities, and has less trauma. It can better correct the first metatarsal pronation deformity and restore the anatomical position of the sesamoid bone, resulting in better effectiveness.

Can Combination Therapy with Endothelin Receptor Antagonist and PDE5 Inhibitors Prevent Echocardiographic Findings Suspicious for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? Description of a Real-Life Case Series

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the incidence rate (IR) of elevated echocardiographic estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), suspected for pulmonary hypertension (PH), in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients after the introduction of a combination therapy with bosentan and sildenafil for treatment or prevention of digital ulcers. Methods: Patients attending the Scleroderma Unit of the Universital Hospital of Careggi from July 2010 to July 2023 were enrolled. Patients older than 18 years old with a history of digital ulcers, treated with bosentan and sildenafil in combination for at least 12 months, were included. Patients with a diagnosis of PH preceding the introduction of the therapy were excluded. Demographical data, disease duration, laboratoristic, and instrumental data (pulmonary function tests, echocardiographic estimation of sPAP, and ultrasonographic value of renal resistive index) were collected. The IR of echocardiographic signs suspected of pulmonary hypertension and their 95% confidence interval were calculated in events/1000 patients-years. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled; the mean disease duration was 12.82 years (SD 5.92). The mean duration of the combination treatment was 81.03 (SD 43.1.3) months, and the total at-risk time was 2674 months. Two patients (5.7%) presented echocardiographic signs of PH (sPAP 50 mmHg and 40 mmHg); the IR was calculated to be 9/1000 patients-years (95% CI 7.95–10.12). In one of the two patients, right heart catheterism (RHC) excluded PAH, while the other patient refused to undergo RHC, and PAH could not be confirmed/excluded. The stability of PFTs and echocardiographic sPAP was observed during the observation time. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study suggest that combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors could help in preventing PAH in SSc; prospective case–control studies on a larger population are needed to improve knowledge in this field.

Comparison of mid-term effectiveness between diabetic secondary stiff shoulder and primary frozen shoulder after arthroscopic shoulder capsular release combined with acromiohumeral distance restoration

To compare the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic shoulder capsular release combined with acromiohumeral distance (AHD) restoration in the treatment of diabetic secondary stiff shoulder and primary frozen shoulder. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 22 patients with diabetic secondary stiff shoulder (group A) and 33 patients with primary frozen shoulder (group B), who underwent arthroscopic 270° capsular release combined with AHD restoration treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, affected side, disease duration, and preoperative AHD, shoulder flexion range of motion, abduction range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Constant score ( P>0.05). Only the difference in the internal rotation cone rank and external rotation range of motion between the two groups showed significant differences ( P<0.05). The improvement in shoulder pain and function was evaluated by using VAS score, ASES score, and Constant score before operation and at last follow-up. Active flexion, abduction, external rotation range of motion, and internal rotation cone rank were recorded and compared. AHD was measured on X-ray films. All patients were followed up 24-92 months (median, 57 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time between group A and group B ( P>0.05). No fractures or glenoid labrum tears occurred during operation, all incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as wound infection or nerve injury was observed during the follow-up. At last follow-up, there were significant improvements in active flexion, abduction, external rotation range of motion, internal rotation cone rank, AHD, VAS score, ASES score, and Constant score when compared with preoperative ones in both groups ( P<0.05). Except for the difference in change in external rotation range of motion, which had significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in other indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). Arthroscopic capsular release combined with AHD restoration can achieve good mid-term effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic secondary stiff shoulder and primary frozen shoulder. However, the improvement in external rotation range of motion is more significant in the patients with diabetic secondary stiff shoulder.

Effectiveness of sequential method pure single-port lumpectomy-breast conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer in different quadrants

To compare the effectiveness of sequential method pure single-port lumpectomy-breast conserving surgery (SMPSL-BCS) in treating early-stage breast cancer patients with tumors in different quadrants. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 early-stage breast cancer female patients admitted between January 2023 and December 2023. According to the quadrant where the tumor was located, the patients were allocated into the upper outer quadrant group (UO group), lower outer quadrant group (LO group), upper inner quadrant group (UI group), and lower inner quadrant group (LI group), with 50 cases in each group. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the baseline data, including age, body mass index, smoking history, marital status, comorbidities, affected breast side, maximum tumor diameter on ultrasound, maximum pathological tumor diameter, clinical tumor stage, molecular subtype, and disease duration. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and extubation time were recorded and compared between groups. Additionally, the occurrence of early-stage complications (1-3 months after operation; including subcutaneous fluid accumulation, incision infection, superficial skin burns) and late-stage complications (>3 months after operation; including pectoralis major muscle adhesion, changes in breast appearance and shape, sensory discomfort) were assessed. At 6 months after operation, the cosmetic outcome of breast-conserving surgery was rated for all groups. The UO group had the shortest operation time, followed by the UI group, LO group, and LI group, showing significant differences between groups ( P<0.05). The UO group had the least intraoperative blood loss, followed by the LO group, UI group, and LI group; except for the difference between UO group and LO group, which was not significant ( P>0.05), the differences between the other groups were significant ( P<0.05). The UO group had the least postoperative drainage volume, followed by the LO group, UI group, and LI group; except for the difference between LO group and UI group, which was not significant ( P>0.05), the differences between the other groups were significant ( P<0.05). The extubation time of the LI group was significantly longer than that of the other groups ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up 4-12 months, with an average of 8 months. And 193 patients were followed up more than 6 months, including 48 patients in UO group, 47 in LO group, 49 in UI group, and 49 in LI group. In the early-stage period, the LI group had a higher incidence of subcutaneous fluid accumulation after tube removal compared to the UO group and LO group ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the incidences of other early complications between groups ( P>0.05). In the late-stage period, the LI group had significantly higher incidences of pectoralis major muscle adhesion and changes in breast appearance and shape than UO group and LO group ( P<0.05), and a significantly higher incidence of sensory discomfort than UO group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidences of other late-stage complications between groups ( P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, the cosmetic outcomes of breast-conserving surgery were significantly better in UO group, LO group, and UI group than in LI group ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the other groups ( P>0.05). In the treatment of early-stage breast cancer using SMPSL-BCS, patients with tumors located in the upper outer quadrant show the best effectiveness. The effectivenesses are similar for patients with tumors in the lower outer and upper inner quadrants. However, patients with tumors in the lower inner quadrant do not experience significant advantages. Therefore, it is recommended that SMPSL-BCS should not be the first-choice surgical method for patients with tumors in the lower inner quadrant.

Short-term effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique in treatment of lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis via contralateral sublaminar approach

To investigate the short-term effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in treatment of lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis via contralateral sublaminar approach. A clinical data of 15 patients with lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis, who were admitted between September 2021 and December 2023 and met selective criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 10 females with an average age of 70.3 years (range, 46-83 years). Surgical segment was L 4, 5 in 12 cases and L 5, S 1 in 3 cases. The disease duration was 12-30 months (mean, 18.7 months). All patients were treated by UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of lower back and leg pain before and after operation; the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the lumbar function; and the clinical outcome was evaluated using the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Postoperative MRI and CT were taken to observe whether the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramen stenosis were removed or not, and the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal (CSA-SC), cross-sectional area of the intervertebral foramen (CSA-IVF), and cross-sectional area of the facet joint (CSA-FJ) were measured. The operation time was 55-200 minutes (mean, 127.5 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 10-50 mL (mean, 27.3 mL); the length of postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days (mean, 6.8 days). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.9 months). At 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, the VAS scores of low back and leg pain and ODI scores after operation were significantly lower than preoperative scores and showed a gradual decrease with time; the JOA scores showed a gradual increase with time; the differences in the above indexes between different time points were significant ( P<0.05). The clinical outcome was rated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case according to the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation, with an excellent and good rate of 93.33%. Imaging review showed that the compression on the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramina had been significantly relieved, and the affected articular process joint was preserved to the maximum extent; the CSA-SC and CSA-IVF at 3 days after operation significantly increased compared to the preoperative values ( P<0.05), and the CSA-FJ significantly reduced ( P<0.05). The UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach can effectively reduce pressure in the lateral saphenous fossa and the intervertebral foramina of the same segment while preserving the bilateral articular process joints. The short-term effectiveness is good and it is expected to avoid fusion surgery caused by iatrogenic instability of the lumbar spine. However, further follow-up is needed to clarify the mid- and long-term effectiveness.

Intracranial vasculopathy: an important organ damage in young adult patients with late-onset Pompe disease

BackgroundLate-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is mainly characterized by progressive limb-girdle muscle weakness and respiratory impairment, whereas stroke and cerebrovascular abnormalities have been insufficiently studied in LOPD. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and pattern of intracranial artery and brain parenchyma abnormalities in LOPD patients.ResultsNeuroimaging data from 30 Chinese adult LOPD patients were collected from our center. Seven patients (7/30) had acute cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed artery abnormalities in 23 patients (23/30). Dilative arteriopathy was found in 19 patients (19/30), with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia found in 17 patients and dilatation of the anterior circulation arteries found in 8 patients. The maximum diameter of the basilar artery was correlated with disease duration (p < 0.05). In addition, aneurysms (7/30) and fenestrations (3/30) were discovered. There were 14 patients with arterial stenosis (14/30), and both anterior and posterior circulation involvement occurred in 9 patients (9/14). Stenosis and dilative arteriopathy simultaneously occurred in 10 patients (10/30). White matter hyperintensities were present in 13 patients (13/28). Microbleeds, predominantly located in the cerebellum and brainstem, were detected in 7 patients (7/22) via susceptibility-weighted imaging.ConclusionsIntracranial vasculopathy involving both large arteries and small vessels is an important organ damage in LOPD patients. LOPD should be considered a key differential diagnosis in young adults with cryptogenic stroke, and a series of imaging evaluations of the brain and intracranial blood vessels is recommended as a routine workup in adult LOPD patients.

Digital outcome measures are associated with brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Digital monitoring of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) using smartphone-based monitoring tools is a promising method to assess disease activity and progression. To study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between active and passive digital monitoring parameters and MRI volume measures in PwMS. In this prospective study, 92 PwMS were included. Clinical tests [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25 Foot Walk test (T25FW), 9-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)] and structural MRI scans were performed at baseline (M0) and 12-month follow-up (M12). Active monitoring included the smartphone-based SymbolDigit Modalities Test (sSDMT) and 2 Minute Walk Test (s2MWT), while passive monitoring was based on smartphone keystroke dynamics (KD). Linear regression analyses were used to determine cross-sectional and longitudinal relations between digital and clinical outcomes and brain volumes, with age, disease duration and sex as covariates. In PwMS, both sSDMT and SDMT were associated with thalamic volumes and lesion volumes. KD were related to brain, ventricular, thalamic and lesion volumes. No relations were found between s2MWT and MRI volumes. NHPT scores were associated with lesion volumes only, while EDSS and T25FW were not related to MRI. No longitudinal associations were found for any of the outcome measures between M0 and M12. Our results show clear cross-sectional correlations between digital biomarkers and brain volumes in PwMS, which were not all present for conventional clinical outcomes, supporting the potential added value of digital monitoring tools.

Prospective comparative study of breast reconstruction with dual plane prosthesis implantation and anterior pectoralis prosthesis implantation under endoscopy

To discuss the effectiveness of breast reconstruction with dual plane prosthesis implantation or anterior pectoralis prosthesis implantation under endoscopy by using prospective comparative study, in order to provide a reference for clinical surgical selection. A total of 54 female patients with breast cancer admitted between January 2023 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were selected as research subjects. According to the random number table, 54 patients were divided into trial group and control group with 27 cases in each. The patients in the trial group and control group were treated with dual plane prosthesis implantation and anterior pectoralis prosthesis implantation for breast reconstruction after glandular resection under endoscopy, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the terms of age, body mass index, affected side, breast clinical stages, molecular typing, disease duration, breast volume of healthy side, breast ptosis of affected side, and preoperative Breast-Q score (social mental health, sexual health, breast satisfaction, chest somatic health). The operation-related indicators (operation time, total volume of drainage within 7 days after operation, extubation time, and hospital stay), occurrence of complications, breast reconstruction efficacy related indicators (transverse and longitudinal distance difference), and the pre- and post-operative differences (change values) of Breast-Q scores for each item were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in operation time, total volume of drainage within 7 days after operation, extubation time, and hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients of the two groups were followed up 3-12 months (mean, 6.3 months). Three patients (11.11%) in trial group and 5 patients (18.52%) in control group experienced complications, and there was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications ( P>0.05). At 7 days after operation, the transverse and longitudinal distance differences were significantly less in trial group than in control group ( P<0.05). The Breast-Q scores of the two groups at 7 days after operation were significantly higher in all items than those before operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in all change values between the two groups ( P>0.05). For patients with breast cancer, comparison of breast reconstruction with anterior pectoralis prosthesis implantation, breast reconstruction with dual plane prosthesis implantation has better breast reconstruction effectiveness and higher safety.

The Possible Role of Lymphaticovenous and Lymph Node to Vein Anastomosis for Improvement of Milroy Disease Related Congenital Chylothorax and Lower Extremity Lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema is characterized by lymphatic dysplasia in which one variant is Milroy's disease. The association with congenital chylothorax is even rarer with poor outcome. This is the first report to utilize peripheral lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymph node to vein anastomosis (LNVA) for the management of such condition. Retrospective chart review of patients with Milroy's disease with complication of chylothorax between 2019 till 2023 was performed. Clinical assessment and radiological investigations were reviewed. Six patients with mean age of 12±3.9 years and disease duration of 10.5±2.8 years were reviewed. Three had ISL stage 3 while others had stage 2 late disease. All had bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and chylothorax with history of chest tube drainage. After LVA and LNVA, significant reduction in extremity volume was noted (p=0.028) along with near complete resolution of chylothorax was noted during the long-term follow-up (32 ±17.9 months). Milroy's disease complicated with chylothorax remains to be challenging. This is the first report utilizing peripheral bypass (LVA and LNVA) which resulted in improvement of both lower extremity lymphedema and chylothorax. The utility of this approach represents a promising modality in the management of this devastating condition.