Effect Of Various Clinical Factors Research Articles

Diaphragmatic palsy following lung transplantation.

Diaphragmatic palsy after lung transplantation has been reported infrequently. Given the role of the diaphragm in respiration, the palsy may play a significant role in the post-surgical recovery as well as morbidity and mortality. This review summarises the current literature to better understand diaphragmatic palsy in the post lung-transplant setting among adults. A thorough literature search was conducted through multiple databases and 91 publications were identified that fit the research question. The review aimed to report the burden of this problem, explore different modalities of diagnosis reported, the effect of various clinical factors and treatment modalities, as well as their effects on outcomes. Additionally, it aimed to highlight the variability, limitations of reported data, and the absence of a standardised approach. This review emphasises the crucial need for more dedicated research to better address this clinical challenge.

Factors Affecting the Activation and Appearances of Epileptiform Abnormalities in Routine Electroencephalography by Different Provocation Methods

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effects of various clinical factors on the activation and appearance of epileptiform abnormalities (EAs) in routine electroencephalography (rEEG) by different provocation methods. Methods: This observational study involved a review of 136 patients presented for EEG recording due to various indications and their EEG showing EAs during various provocation methods. Results: Generalized spike-wave discharges (GSWDs) were the most frequent activated epileptiform pattern observed in, 81 (59.1%) recordings. This pattern was seen mainly in females 49 (P = 0.00), in patients with generalized seizures 48 (P = 0.00), in prolonged EEG records 3 (P = 0.03), and in both genetic 35 (P = 0.00) and lesional epilepsies 21 (P = 0.00). Focal sharp waves with bilateral synchrony (FSWSBS) were the most activated ictal pattern (P = 0.00). Ictal EAs after hyperventilation (HV) (P = 0.03) and intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) (P = 0.01) were mainly observed in patients with uncontrolled seizures (P = 0.00), and immune-mediated epilepsy (P = 0.02). Females sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33, confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–2.6; P = 0.25), bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (OR: 1.17, CI: 0.5–2.4; P = 0.31) and lesional epilepsies (OR: 1.45, CI: 0.7–2.9; P = 0.20) had risk of activation of EAs by provocation methods; however this risk was not statistically significant. While sleep deprivation (SD) (OR: 6.33, CI: 2.2–18.2; P = 0.00), nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREM) (OR: 2.41, CI: 1.0–5.4; P = 0.00), and prolong EEG recording (OR: 1.91, CI: 0.9–3.9; P = 0.04) were leading to a statistically significant risk of activation and appearances of EAs due to provocation. Conclusion: Different provocation methods can activate and augment the variety of EEG patterns of diverse clinical significance. Detection of activated ictal EAs is dependent on various patient factors, including seizure control, and the provocation method applied. Further larger prospective cohort studies with adequate sample sizes are warranted.

Prognostic analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: a single-center retrospective study.

Brain metastasis (BM) is a common event during the development of many cancers, and is also one of the main causes of death of patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment for BM. The prognostic effects of various clinical factors on local control(LC) and overall survival (OS) after SRS treatment are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze the intracranial progression free survival (iPFS) and OS of patients receiving SRS treatment, and explore the relationship between various clinical characteristics and patient prognosis. We collected the clinical information of patients who were diagnosed with BM and received SRS treatment in our center between 2018 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and KM analysis for iPFS and OS were conducted in R software to investigate the prognostic effects of clinical characteristics. In total, 183 patients that received SRS in our center were enrolled in the cohort. The median iPFS for all patients was 8.87 months (95% CI 6.9-10.6), and the median OS was 16.5 months (95% CI 12.9-20.7). BM number > = 5 (HR 1.965 [95% CI 1.381-2.796], p < 0.001, FDR-corrected p < 0.001) was found to be strong predictor for shorter iPFS and OS. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with cumulative intracranial tumor volume (CITV) > = 2.14cm3 and number > = 5 had shortest iPFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.007), compared with other subgroups. For patients with more than 5 BMs, SRS plus whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) could achieve better local control, compared with SRS alone group (P = 0.0357). Peripheral blood inflammation indicators were associated with the prognosis of BM patients in univariate Cox analysis, but not in multivariate Cox analysis. BM number is an independent prognostic factor for BM patients. The prognosis of patients in the subgroup with larger CITV and more BM is the worst. For patients with more than 5 BM, the combination of SRS and WBRT can improve the local control, but cannot prolong the OS.

Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing surgery: The Cleveland Clinic experience.

4593 Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and heterogeneous disease accounting for approximately 5-10% of UC. While tumor grade and stage are known prognostic factors, data on other factors affecting outcomes in UTUC patients (pts) undergoing surgery is scant. We studied effect of various clinical factors and treatment on outcomes in UTUC. Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective study of 607 pts with UTUC undergoing surgery (nephroureterectomy (NU) or ureterectomy (U)) between Jan 2000 and Dec 2020. We studied effect of demographics, clinicopathological features, tumor location, preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Albumin-to-Globulin ratio (AGR) and use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Results: Of the 607 pts 401 (66.06%) were males and 355 (58.48%) were &gt; 70 yrs; 232 pts (38.22%) had UTUC of renal pelvis, 242 (39.87%) of ureter and 133 (21.91%) of both. 542 pts (89.29%) underwent radical NU and 65 (10.71%) segmental U; 328 patients (54.04%) were diagnosed with muscle invasive UC (MIUC) ( &gt; / = pT2) and 276 (45.47%) with non-MIUC ( &lt; / = pT2). Only 51 (8.4%) pts had lymph node positive (N+) disease. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was identified in 163 (26.85%) and carcinoma- in-situ (CIS) in 163 (26.85%) pts. Surgical margins were positive in 92 pts (15.16%). Median NLR cutoff was 3.25 and AGR cutoff was 1.25 (dichotomized based on literature). 44 pts (7.2%) received Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 49 pts (8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor recurrence occurred in 216 pts (35.58%) of which 65% were at urothelial and 35% at non-urothelial sites. With median follow up of 35.2 mos, median OS was 82.69 mos and 5-yr OS rate was 60%; median RFS was 29.47 mos and 5-yr RFS rate was 40%. High grade, age &gt; / = 70 yrs, high NLR, low AGR, presence of LVI, positive margins, CIS, MIUC, N+ disease were associated with worse outcomes. Pts with only renal pelvis involvement had better OS. Conclusions: In this large, long term follow-up series of UTUC pts, we identified several prognostic factors besides grade and stage that impact outcomes. These findings warrant further validation for use in clinical practice. [Table: see text]

The early therapeutic response at 2weeks is a crucial predictor of proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In recent years, the prevalence of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing, posing a clinical obstacle to improving the management of GERD patients. The ability of known predictive factors to explain therapeutic response to PPI remains insufficient. Therefore, we examined whether the addition of early therapeutic response to PPI as an explanatory variable may increase the predictive power for PPI-refractory GERD. The severity and therapeutic response of GERD symptoms to PPI were evaluated using the GastroEsophageal Reflux and Dyspepsia Therapeutic Efficacy and Satisfaction Test (GERD-TEST) questionnaire at baseline and at 2 and 4weeks after treatment. The relevance of the therapeutic effect of PPI at 2weeks compared to that at 4weeks was examined in 301 patients with GERD. Independent predictive factors for refractory GERD at 4weeks of PPI therapy were examined in 182 patients. The effect of various clinical factors, including the early response to PPI, was assessed using multiple regression analysis. The number of PPI-therapy responders increased significantly with the duration of treatment (p < 0.0001). The response to PPI therapy at 2weeks was significantly correlated with that at 4weeks (p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the therapeutic response to PPI at 2weeks was by far the strongest predictor of the therapeutic effect at 4weeks among all clinical factors. Medication change for PPI-refractory GERD at 2weeks may be an efficacious therapeutic strategy to improve patients' quality of life.

Impact of preprocedural anxiety levels on pain perception in patients undergoing office hysteroscopy

BackgroundWe aimed to determine if preprocedural anxiety levels had a significant association with procedure-related pain in women undergoing office hysteroscopy (OH) and also to assess the effect of various clinical factors on pain perception in these women. MethodsThere were 148 women undergoing OH enrolled in this observational study. Before examination, patients were asked to complete two forms, the STAI-T (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Trait) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State) anxiety scales, to evaluate their usual anxiety state and state of anxiety during the examination. Patients were asked to quantify on a visual analog scale the pain felt during and 60 minutes after the procedure. Associations between STAI and visual analog scale scores were assessed using correlation analysis. The effects of various contributing factors on pain perception were investigated with linear regression analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThe preprocedural mean trait and state anxiety scores were 38.4 ± 9.2 and 44.8 ± 10.0, respectively, and the mean patient age was 43.6 ± 3.3 years. During OH, there were significant positive correlations between in-hospital waiting time, procedure time, preprocedural trait or state anxiety scores, and pain. Sixty minutes after OH, significant positive correlations between in-hospital waiting time, procedure time, preprocedural state or trait anxiety scores, and pain were observed. There was also a significant negative correlation between parity and procedure-related pain 60 minutes after procedure. OH-related pain scores during the procedure were significantly affected by in-hospital waiting time (p < 0.001), state anxiety level (p = 0.001), and trait anxiety level (p = 0.01). However, 60 minutes after the procedure, pain was affected by patient parity (p = 0.02), procedure time (p = 0.002), and preprocedural state anxiety level (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe pain that study participants felt during and soon after OH was negatively affected by preprocedural anxiety levels. Some factors, such as reducing the waiting time before the procedure, might be useful in reducing anxiety levels.

Two BRM promoter insertion polymorphisms increase the risk of early‐stage upper aerodigestive tract cancers

Brahma (BRM) has a key function in chromatin remodeling. Two germline BRM promoter insertion–deletion polymorphisms, BRM-741 and BRM-1321, have been previously associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers and head and neck cancer. To further evaluate their role in cancer susceptibility particularly in early disease, we conducted a preplanned case–control study to investigate the association between the BRM promoter variants and stage I/II upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers (i.e., lung, esophageal, head and neck), a group of early-stage malignancies in which molecular and genetic etiologic factors are poorly understood. The effects of various clinical factors on this association were also studied. We analyzed 562 cases of early-stage UADT cancers and 993 matched healthy controls. The double homozygous BRM promoter variants were associated with a significantly increased risk of early stage UADT cancers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–3.8). This association was observed in lung (aOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.5–4.9) and head and neck (aOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.4–5.6) cancers, but not significantly in esophageal cancer (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.7–5.8). There was a nonsignificant trend for increased risk in the heterozygotes or single homozygotes. The relationship between the BRM polymorphisms and early-stage UADT cancers was independent of age, sex, smoking status, histology, and clinical stage. These findings suggest that the BRM promoter double insertion homozygotes may be associated with an increased risk of early-stage UADT cancers independent of smoking status and histology, which must be further validated in other populations.

B‐type natriuretic peptide levels at birth predict cardiac dysfunction in neonates

Although the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in the umbilical cord blood (UCB-BNP) and amniotic fluid (AF-BNP) of neonates may be clinically useful for identifying newborns with cardiac dysfunction, the effects of various clinical factors, such as gestational age at birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and neonatal asphyxia, on the UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels have not been studied extensively. The present study sought to determine whether the UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels can predict cardiac dysfunction and hypotension in preterm infants soon after birth and to evaluate the association between BNP and various clinical factors. The UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels at birth were determined in 320 and 195 neonates, respectively, born to mothers with singleton pregnancies. The UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels in infants treated with dopamine were significantly higher than those in infants without dopamine administration (230.1 vs 33.1 pg/mL and 74.4 vs 18.1 pg/mL, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that gestational age, SGA, asphyxia, and chorioamnionitis were significant independent determinants of the UCB-BNP level. Cut-off values of >90 pg/mL for UCB-BNP and >36 pg/mL for AF-BNP yielded sensitivities of 68% and 93%, respectively, and specificities of 84% and 81%, respectively, for detecting neonates who required dopamine administration after birth. High UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels predict neonatal cardiac dysfunction soon after birth.

The effect of frequency of calcium hydroxide dressing change and various pre‐ and inter‐operative factors on the endodontic treatment of traumatized immature permanent incisors

The objectives of this clinical study were as follows: (i) to determine the effect of frequency of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] dressing change on the apical barrier formation in immature permanent incisors with necrotic pulps and (ii) to investigate the effect of various clinical factors before and during treatment that may be associated with the frequency of Ca(OH)(2) dressing changes. The study involved 21 healthy subjects, 8-12 years old. Twenty-three immature traumatized permanent maxillary central incisors were treated using Ca(OH)(2) powder mixed with barium sulfate and distilled water. The progress of barrier formation was reviewed after 6 months of first placement of Ca(OH)(2) and then every 3 months until the detection of an apical barrier. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed before and after treatment. Data were evaluated using a chi-square test. Apical barrier formation was successful for all 23 teeth. Seventeen teeth (74%) needed only a single application of Ca(OH)(2), while six teeth (26%) required more than one application. The average time of apical barrier formation was 30 weeks, and the mean number of Ca(OH)(2) dressing changes was 1.3. A significant positive association was found between teeth that presented with displacement and the number of Ca(OH)(2) dressing changes (P = 0.004). An initial 6-month application of Ca(OH)(2) dressing followed by 3-month replacements (usually in teeth presenting with displacement and/or sinus tracts) may be successfully used in apexification treatment. This would assist in reducing the number of Ca(OH)(2) dressing changes, number of appointments, cost of treatment and radiation exposure.

A Decade of Melanomas: Identification of Factors Associated with Delayed Detection in an Academic Group Practice

Melanoma incidence is increasing, but the effect of various clinical factors on tumor stage is unclear. To review histologic and clinical features of melanomas diagnosed in our group over a 10-year period to determine trends in diagnosis and lesion derivation, predictive value of clinical lesion size, and effect of physician and patient concerns before biopsy. Relevant pathology reports and physician clinic notes were reviewed for 572 melanomas. From 1999 to 2008, melanoma biopsies increased significantly more than nevus biopsies and patient visits. Melanomas predominantly (81%) arose de novo, with remaining lesions as likely to arise from common as dysplastic nevi. Melanomas were detected at twice the rate, and at earlier stage, in established as in new patients. Clinical size of invasive melanomas was related to lesion depth. For 64% of melanomas, patient and physician concern drove the decision to biopsy, whereas 1.4% of melanomas were biopsied only for patient concern. The increase in melanoma diagnoses was largely due to increases in cases of lentigo maligna on the head and neck. Delayed detection was associated with location on trunk and extremities, new patient status, patient concern before biopsy, and physician suspicion of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Dietary approaches following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A survey of selected endoscopists

To describe the dietary recommendations of experienced endoscopists for patients who have undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and the factors that influence these recommendations. Selected U.S. endoscopists with ERCP experience were surveyed by e-mail. A questionnaire with three hypothetical ERCP cases of patients at low, medium and high risk for development of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was shown. For each scenario, respondents were asked to recommend a post-procedure diet and time to first oral intake. Respondents were also asked about the effect of various clinical factors on their recommendations, including risk of PEP. 97/187 selected ASGE members (51.9%) responded. When risk of PEP was either low, medium or high, 53%, 88% and 96% recommended a diet of clear liquids/NPO respectively, and 2%, 5% and 18% recommended delaying first oral intake until the following day. About 88% of respondents gave the same type of diet to patients at high as those with moderate-risk of PEP (P = 0.04). However, 37% and 43% of respondents gave different types of diet to patients at low vs moderate-risk and low-risk vs high-risk of PEP respectively (P < 0.001). No statistically significant associations were found regarding the effect of other clinical factors or respondent demographics. Most experienced endoscopists limit diet to NPO/clear liquids after ERCP for patients at high or moderate risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. About half allow a low-fat or regular diet in patients at low risk.

Replantation of 400 avulsed permanent incisors. 4. Factors related to periodontal ligament healing.

400 avulsed and replanted permanent teeth were examined for periodontal ligament (PDL) healing, using standardized radiographic and clinical examination procedures (i.e. percussion test and mobility test). The effect of various clinical factors was examined, such as age and sex of the patient, type of tooth replanted, presence of crown fracture or bone fracture, stage of root development (including apical diameter and length of the pulp), type and length of extra-alveolar storage, clinical contamination of the root surface, type of root surface cleansing procedure, type and length of splinting period and antibiotic therapy. Surface resorption was generally diagnosed after 12 months; while inflammatory resorption and replacement resorption (ankylosis) were usually observed after 1 month and 1-2 months respectively. Most resorptive processes were diagnosed within the first 2-3 years. However, although rarely, even after 5 and 10 years new resorptive processes could be diagnosed. A univariate statistical analysis of 272 teeth revealed 9 factors significantly related to PDL healing. A subsequent multivariate analysis revealed that the following 4 factors had the strongest impact upon PDL healing, in descending order of significance: Stage of root development; length of the dry extra-alveolar storage period; immediate replantation and length of the wet period (saliva or saline storage). Nonphysiological storage, such as homemade saline and sterilizing solutions (chloramine and alcohol) always led to root resorption. Storage in tap water for more than 20 minutes usually led to root resorption. The common denominator for all these factors related to PDL healing appears to be survival of the PDL cells along the root surface. Based on these findings, immediate replantation is recommended irrespective of stage of root development.

Replantation of 400 avulsed permanent incisors. 2. Factors related to pulpal healing.

Four hundred avulsed and replanted permanent teeth were examined for pulpal healing. In 110 teeth, the apical foramen was either open or half-open. In 16 teeth, the pulps were extirpated prophylactically. Thus, pulpal revascularization was considered possible in 94 teeth. Revascularization occurred in 32 teeth (34%). Pulp necrosis could usually be demonstrated after 3 weeks. Positive pulpal sensibility and radiographis signs of pulp canal obliteration were usually observed after 6 months. The effect of various clinical factors was examined, such as sex, age, type of tooth replanted, stage of root formation, type and length of extra-alveolar storage, clinical contamination of the root surface, type of cleansing procedure of the root surface, type and length of splinting and the use of antibiotics. Finally, the width of the apical foramen and the length of the root canal were measured on radiographs taken at the time of injury. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed that pulpal revascularization was more frequent in teeth with shorter distances from the apical foramen to the pulp horns. Furthermore, that wet storage (saliva and/or saline) for more than 5 min decreased the chance of pulpal revascularization; whereas dry extraalveolar storage had a monotonous effect on pulpal revascularization, i.e. decreasing chance of revasculatization with increasing length of the extraalveolar dry storage. Based on these findings, immediate replantation after brief cleansing in either tap water or saline is recommended.

The effects of various clinical factors on marginal enamel micro-cracks produced around composite restoration.

In this study, enamel micro-cracks produced around composite restorations were observed on surfaces and vertical sections, using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of various clinical factors, i.e. the curing system, the marginal form and the polishing period after filling, on the incidence of marginal enamel micro-cracks were examined. Enamel micro-cracks were observed on all of the class 1 and 5 composite restorations when the cavity had no marginal bevel and the restorations were polished immediately after filling. Enamel micro-cracks distributed approximately parallel to the cavity margin and located 0.01-0.3 mm from the restored cavity margin. The occurrence of enamel micro-cracks was higher in light-cured composite resin restorations than in chemical-cured ones, for non-beveled cavities when polished 10 min or 24 hours after filling. The occurrence of micro-cracks was reduced by marginal beveling and delayed polishing.

Determinants of hospital cost and length of stay for patients undergoing electrophysiologic testing

To assess the effects of various clinical factors in determining the cost and length of stay in patients undergoing electrophysiologic testing for cardiac arrhythmias, the hospital cost and length of stay data were reviewed in 222 consecutive inpatients who underwent electrophysiologic testing from January 1 to December 31, 1984. Admissions were classified as: primarily for treatment of arrhythmias (171 patients); primarily for treatment of arrhythmias but with serious concurrent illnesses that prolonged hospitalization (43 patients); or primarily for nonarrhythmic problems with electrophysiologic study an incidental part of hospitalization (8 patients). Based on allowable length of stay for the applicable DRGs, actual hospitalizations exceeded Medicare allowable length of stay by 50 to 500%. Retrospective review of hospital charts indicated that 3 clinical factors serve as effective markers in determining length of stay: need for amiodarone, induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), and presence of serious other medical problems that require stabilization before electrophysiologic testing. Our data indicate that 3 classes of patients can be identified: I. DRG A (45%)—those who did not have sustained VT or VF induced, did not require amiodarone and had no serious concurrent illnesses. The mean length of stay was 7.1 days. II. DRG B patients (21%)—those who had sustained VT or VF induced, but did not require amiodarone and had no serious concurrent illnesses. The mean length of stay was 13.7 days. III. DRG C patients (34%)—those who either had a serious concurrent illness or required amiodarone. The mean length of stay was 19.7 days. This classification schema might allow a more appropriate system for determining reimbursement.

Immunoglobulins during the course of acute leukemia in children. Effects of various clinical factors.

Immunoglobulins during the course of acute leukemia in children. Effects of various clinical factors.