FA Score Research Articles

Validation of Russian-language version of Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA)

Background. Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) is a valid tool for the assessment of functional status in foot and ancle-related patients. Aim — validation of Russian-language version of Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA). Materials and methods. Reliability, validity and sensitivity of Russian-language version of the VAS FA were assessed in 60 foot and ancle-related patients. The reliability was checked by assessing the internal consistency (calculating Cronbach′s alpha). The reproducibility was checked by a test-retest analysis. The criterion validity was evaluated by correlation analysis with SF-36, FFI and AOFAS scores. The sensitivity was studied by comparing VAS FA score dynamics after conservative treatment with minimal important change VAS FA. Results. Evaluating the internal consistency yielded a very high Cronbach′s alpha (0,92). The test-retest analysis demonstrated a signifi cant correlation (0,95) between the results of primary and secondary testing. Assessing the criterion validity showed a high relationship to the scores of SF-36 (0,77), FFI (0,86) and AOFAS (0,81). In patients who noted an improvement after conservative treatment the positive change of the VAS FA score exceeded 2–2,3 times the minimal important change VAS FA. Conclusion. Russian-language version of VAS FA is a reliable, valid and sensitive tool to evaluate the functional status in foot and ancle-related patients and it can be used in Russian-speaking patients.

Pretreatment plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels predict therapeutic efficacy of concurrent radiochemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer.

PurposeEvidence implies that plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level (FA score) based on plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin is related to cancer prognosis. However, the association between the FA score and therapeutic efficacy of concurrent radiochemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the role of pretreatment FA score in predicting the therapeutic efficacy of concurrent radiochemotherapy for patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 154 patients with ESCC who underwent concurrent radiochemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the appropriate cut-off values, and multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to evaluate prognosis.ResultsFA score was significantly associated with the N stage and M stage (P = 0.015 and 0.042, respectively). Chi-square analysis/Fisher’s exact tests revealed a correlation between the FA score and curative effect (P < 0.001), and higher FA score was associated with poorer treatment effect. Multivariate analysis indicated that FA score (P < 0.001) was predictor of overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that pretreatment FA score was significantly associated with the OS of ESCC: Patient with higher FA score has lower median OS.ConclusionsThe FA score is a reliable prognostic predictor that could assess the curative effect and OS benefit of concurrent radiochemotherapy in patients with ESCC.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF DONAR ANKLE SITE MORBIDITY AFTER HARVESTING PERONEUS LONGUS TENDON GRAFT FOR ARTHROSCOPIC ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Background: . The goal of this study was to assess ankle and foot functions using clinical examination and functional scores after harvesting autogenous peroneus longus tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, with a 6 month follow-up period, with a focus on donor site morbidity. Due to the synergistic action of peroneus longus and peroneus brevis, peroneus longus graft harvest is possible. Material and Method: The study included 45 patients who underwent ACL reconstructionusing peroneus longus autograft and endobutton fixation. Donor site morbidity of the foot and ankle after tendon-harvesting was assessed using VAS-FA. Results: Total of 45 cases were operated out of which 34 patients were male and 11 patients were female. Average thickness of Peroneus longus tendon graft obtained was 8.6mm. Average length of Peroneus longus graft harvested in the study was 283mm. None of the patient had any sign of infection or wound dehiscence at donor ankle site. None of the patient had gait abnormality or ankle instability. Our study showed progressive increase in VAS- FA score 99.71 ± 0.75 at 6 months. Conclusion: We found that there was no significant worsening of ankle function via the examination of ankle scores based on the overall findings of the current study. There was no substantial donor site morbidity, and ankle motions were comparable to those on the contralateral healthy side.

The Prognostic Role and Nomogram Establishment of a Novel Prognostic Score Combining with Fibrinogen and Albumin Levels in Patients with WHO Grade II/III Gliomas.

PurposeWorld Health Organization (WHO) Grades II and III gliomas [also known as low grade gliomas (LGGs)] displayed different malignant behaviors and survival outcomes compared to Grade IV gliomas. This study aimed to identify the prognostic predictive value of a novel cumulative prognostic score [combined with fibrinogen and albumin levels (FA score)], establish and validate a point-based nomogram in LGG patients.Patients and MethodsA total of 91 patients who underwent total glioma resection at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University between 2011 and 2013 were enrolled to establish a prognostic nomogram. All patients were histologically diagnosed as grades II/III, and never received radiotherapy or chemotherapy before surgery. Data collection included patient characteristics, clinicopathological factors, and preoperative hematology results. The performance of the nomogram was subsequently validated by the concordance index (c-index), calibration curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe FA score was negatively associated with the overall survival (OS) of LGG patients (p < 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis showed that FA score [p = 0.006, HR = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–3.05], age (p = 0.002, HR = 3.014, 95% CI:1.52–5.97), and white blood count (p < 0.001, HR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.08–8.67) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The study established a nomogram to predict OS with a c-index of 0.783 (95% CI, 0.72–0.84).ConclusionFA score might be a potential prognostic biomarker for LGG patients, and a reliable point-based nomogram will help clinicians to decide on the best treatment plans.

Prognostic Significance of Plasma Fibrinogen/Serum Albumin Ratio in the Postoperative Outcome of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Surgery is an important pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment; existing markers are inadequate prognostic indexes. We herein evaluated the utility of the FA score (fibrinogen/albumin ratio) for predicting PDAC postoperative outcomes. We analysed the data of 67 PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection. The relationship between postoperative outcomes and the FA score was investigated. Performance of the FA score was compared to that of other variables and prognostic indexes. No patient with FA ≥130 survived >3 years, whereas all patients who survived longer had FA <130. The FA score was superior to all other indexes for predicting postoperative outcomes. Patients with FA ≥130 vs. <130 had significantly shorter overall and recurrence-free survival. The FA score is useful for predicting PDAC postoperative outcomes. Preoperatively, it may detect patients likely to have poor postoperative prognoses who may benefit from adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy, thus improving outcomes.

Surgical experience as a decisive factor for the outcome of calcaneal fractures using locking compression plate: results of 3years.

Calcaneal fractures account for 60-75% of all tarsal fractures and represent surgical challenges because of their frequency and complexity. Despite standardized procedures and new implants, literature reports high revision rates and unsatisfactory results. The study aims to describe the role of the surgeon with respect to the clinical outcome. Between 2014 and 2017, 94 calcaneal fractures (all type AO C1-3) were re-examined in 86 patients (67 male and 19 female; mean age: 51years). The treatment was always carried out by means of locking compression plate via the extensile lateral approach. A comparison was made between treatment by an experienced (ES) and less experienced surgeon (LES). Annually, the ES performed at least 30 procedures for calcaneus fracture treatment as compared to < 10 operations performed by the LES. The mean AOFAS, VAS FA, and Kiel Score in the ES group were 77.0 (SD 15.9), 69.0 (SD 18.8), and 65.0 (SD 20.6), respectively. The corresponding values in the LES group were 68.1 (SD 21.0), 60.3 (SD 22.4), and 53.0 (SD 21.9) (p < 0.05). The operation time was on average 14min shorter in the ES group than the LES group (p < 0.05). The significantly better scores, along with shorter operation time, shorter duration of incapacity to work, and lower complication rate prove the importance of having an experienced surgeon perform complex intra-articular calcaneal fracture repairs. The extensile lateral approach is still considered the standard method. Level III, comparative series.

Prognostic Value of Cumulative Score Based on Preoperative Fibrinogen and Albumin Level in Skull Base Chordoma.

ObjectiveInflammation and malnutrition have been shown to be correlated with tumor progression and a poor prognosis in various cancers. However, the clinical implications of biomarkers of inflammation and malnutrition in chordoma have not been elucidated. We attempted to characterize the fibrinogen and albumin levels in skull base chordoma and investigate their correlations with clinicopathological data and survival.MethodsThe preoperative levels of fibrinogen and albumin were assessed in 183 primary skull base chordoma patients. The cutoff values were determined by X-tile software, and their correlations with patient prognosis were further explored using the Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. In addition, the predictive performances of these markers in survival were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe values of fibrinogen and albumin in skull base chordoma patients ranged from 1.73 to 7.40 and 37.6 to 53.0 g/L, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for fibrinogen and albumin were 3.29 and 44.60 g/L, respectively. Fibrinogen and albumin were correlated with the patient age and tumor pathology types. Albumin, but not fibrinogen, was associated with the patients’ progression-free survival and overall survival. Importantly, the FA score, which combines fibrinogen and albumin, could independently predict both progression-free survival and overall survival, and enhanced the performance of fibrinogen or albumin in survival prediction in skull base chordoma.ConclusionOur data reveal the clinical prognostic role of albumin and suggest that the FA score may be a valuable prognostic grading system in skull base chordoma.

Validation Study of Fibrinogen and Albumin Score in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Underwent Esophagectomy: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

To arrange multidisciplinary treatment for esophageal cancer, a simple and accurate predictive marker for prognosis is required. The current multicenter prospective study aims to validate the prognostic significance of fibrinogen and albumin score (FA score) for esophageal cancer patients. Patients who were planned to undergo surgical resection for esophageal cancer at four participating institutions were enrolled in this study. Patient background, clinicopathological factors, and blood concentration of plasma fibrinogen and albumin were collected. Patients with elevated fibrinogen and decreased albumin levels were allocated a score of 2; those with only one of these abnormalities were allocated a score of 1; and those with neither of these abnormalities were allocated a score of 0. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated as a primary endpoint. From four participating institutions, 133 patients were registered for the current analysis. The distribution of FA score of 0/1/2 was 84 (63%)/34 (26%)/15 (11%), respectively. In the analysis of primary endpoint, the preoperative FA score significantly classified RFS (FA score 1/2: HR 2.546, p = 0.013/6.989, p < 0.001) and OS (FA score 1/2: HR 2.756, p = 0.010/6.970, p < 0.001). We further evaluated the prognostic significance of FA score under stratification by pStage. As a result, with increasing FA score, RFS and OS were significantly worse in both pStage 0-I and II-IV groups. The prognostic impact of preoperative FA score was confirmed for esophageal cancer patients in the current multicenter prospective trial. FA score can be considered to predict postoperative survival and rearrange the treatment strategy before esophagectomy.

Fibrinogen and Albumin Score Changes during Preoperative Treatment Can Predict Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Background Fibrinogen (Fib) and albumin (Alb) levels are indicators of systemic inflammatory responses. Elevated Fib and decreased Alb levels are considered negative prognostic factors in different types of cancer. Here, we explored the prognostic value of changes in pre- and post- neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin (FA) scores in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods A total of 106 patients with LARC who underwent NCRT followed by surgical resection at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed. In addition, plasma Fib and serum Alb levels before and after NCRT were collected. FA scores were calculated based on the Fib and Alb levels dichotomized by clinical reference values. Patients were classified into two groups based on the changes in FA scores during NCRT: in group A, FA scores decreased or remained unchanged (n = 84), and in group B, FA scores increased (n = 22). Changes in FA scores were compared with patient outcomes. Results Increased FA scores were associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with LARC. The occurrence of systemic failure was higher in group B than in group A (40.9% vs. 19%, P = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, changes in FA scores, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, and pathologic differentiation were independent prognostic parameters for DFS and changes in FA scores and pretreatment CEA levels were independent prognostic parameters for OS. Conclusions Increased FA score after NCRT was an independent negative prognostic factor for DFS and OS in patients with NCRT-treated LARC.

Should the Extended Lateral Approach Remain Part of Standard Treatment in Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation through the extended lateral approach (ELA) in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures and to determine whether this approach should remain part of standard therapy. This retrospective cohort study included 60 patients with 64 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures who underwent surgical treatment through the ELA. Outcome measures were the visual analog scale foot and ankle (VAS FA), the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, surgical site infections (SSIs), and reoperations. We determined the AOFAS score for 40 patients with 42 fractures, and 42 patients with 44 fractures completed the VAS FA questionnaire. The mean VAS FA score was 61.0 ± 23.4 and the median AOFAS score was 83 (range 33 to 100), with 55% good to excellent scores. We found 10.9% superficial SSIs successfully treated with antibiotics. In 4.7% of patients a deep SSI was diagnosed, wherefore premature implant removal was necessary. Patients with an SSI did not have significantly lower VAS FA or AOFAS scores than did patients without an SSI (p = .318 and p = .766, respectively). Implant removal in absence of SSIs was necessary in 17 patients because of pain, and 3 patients needed secondary arthrodesis because of persistent pain. We concluded that the ELA proved to be a safe procedure, and moreover the most common complications did not influence the long-term outcomes of patients. However, recent literature demonstrates that less invasive techniques seem to exceed the ELA with respect to wound complications.

Satisfaction with facial profile aesthetics: are norms overrated?

This study aimed to explore to what extent adults perceive deviations from the norm of a balanced profile with normal occlusion as reducing satisfaction with facial appearance and having a psychosocial impact. This cross-sectional study included 225 Caucasian subjects (64% women) aged 18–42 years. Their facial profiles were analyzed photogrammetrically and they were classified into three categories: within, below, or above the standard range for the Croatian population with a normal occlusion. Psychosocial issues were assessed by self-reported satisfaction with facial appearance and domains from the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire: social aspects of dentofacial aesthetics (SA), facial aesthetics concern (FA), and awareness of dentofacial aesthetics (AW). Men with a concave profile were less satisfied with their faces than those with a flat or convex profile (P<0.05). A reduced upper lip height in men resulted in a lower level of satisfaction and increased FA score, when compared to men with a normal or increased upper lip height (P<0.05). In women, a reduced middle third of the face increased AW (P=0.045). Deviations from a well-balanced facial profile, as well as the morphology of the nose and lip, do not increase psychosocial issues to a great extent. The range of acceptable facial characteristics is evidently much broader than the norms.

AB049. Prognostic scores based on the preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level as a prognostic factor in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

BackgroundTo clarify the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level, as known as FA score, in a cohort of Chinese patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).MethodsThe FA score was calculated based on optimal cutoff values of 3.53 g/L for fibrinogen and 43.56 g/L for albumin. Overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the equivalences of the survival curves were tested by log-rank tests.ResultsIn univariate analysis, Tumor size, tumor grade, T stage and preoperative FA score were significantly associated with OS and CSS, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified FA score was an independent predictor for OS and CSS.ConclusionsThe evaluation of preoperative FA score can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS and CSS of patients with UTUC. The fibrinogen and albumin levels are low cost, routine measured and easy accessibility in clinical practice.

Prognostic Impact of Change in the Fibrinogen and Albumin Score During Preoperative Treatment in Esophageal Cancer Patients.

For resectable advanced esophageal cancer, a transthoracic esophagectomy following preoperative treatment is recognized as one of the standard treatments. Therefore, predictive markers which can be identified before surgery need to be established to identify patients with a poor prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed 102 consecutive patients who underwent curative transthoracic esophagectomy following preoperative treatment in our institution between 2004 and 2013. Based on plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels, the pretreatment and preoperative fibrinogen and albumin score (FA score) were investigated and the prognostic significance of the FA score change was compared with RECIST. The patients were classified according to whether the FA score had remained unchanged or decreased (n=77) or the FA score increased (n=25). When the correlation between the response rate and change in the FA score was investigated, the response rate was significantly lower in the group with the increased FA score. In the survival analysis, patients in the increased FA score group exhibited a significantly worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P=0.038). A multivariate analysis using the clinical stage and the change in the FA score as covariates revealed that a change in the FA score (HR 1.802; P=0.047; 95% CI 1.008-3.221) was shown to be a significant independent predictive factor for RFS. A change in the FA score was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for postoperative recurrence in esophageal cancer patients who have undergone transthoracic esophagectomy following preoperative treatment.

Plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels (FA score) act as a promising prognostic indicator in non-small cell lung cancer.

BackgroundEvidence implies that preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin are associated with cancer prognosis. We aimed to explore the prognostic values of the score based on plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels (FA score) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to compare that with prognostic nutritional index (PNI).Patients and methodsIn all, 182 patients pathologically diagnosed with NSCLC were included in this study. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate analysis were used in the prognostic analyses.ResultsHigh FA score was related to smoking (P=0.005), poor differential grade (P=0.002), and advanced T stage (P<0.001) and tumor, node, and metastases stage (P=0.011). Low PNI showed association with advanced T stage (P=0.030). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that high FA score and low PNI were associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS; for the FA score, P<0.001; for PNI, P=0.001) and overall survival (OS; for the FA score, P<0.001; for PNI, P=0.013), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that FA score was an independent predictor for PFS (P=0.003) and OS (P=0.001) in NSCLC patients.ConclusionThe FA score could act as a more promising prognostic predictor than PNI in NSCLC patients who underwent pneumonectomy.

Osteochondral Defects of Talus treated with Juvenile Cartilage Transplant Cells

To prove that Juvenile Cartilage cells have a role in the treatment of Osteochondral Defect (OCD) of the Talus. This is Retrospective case series with clinical follow up. We obtained appropriate IRB approval for reviewing our cases of OCD of Talus treated with transplanted cartilage cells. OCD of the Talus is initially treated with trial of splintage, activity modification, NSAIDS and Physical therapy. When patients do not respond to nonoperative measures the standard surgical intervention is debridement with or without micro-fracture or an OATS procedure In out Institution for the cases which needed surgical Intervention we treated them with an ankle arthroscopic debridement of the lesion and a synovectomy. We then proceeded to transplant juvenile allograft cartilage cells(Denovo, Zimmer) to cover the defect. Patients were nonweight bearing 2 weeks in a splint. Patients then were placed in a CAM walker for next 4 weeks with PWB and PT. Patients were evaluated postop and foot and ankle scores were obtained through a combination of clinical exam and telephonic questionnaire. we had total of seven cases between 2012 to 2016 with an average followup of 8 months. The first 2 cases had an arthroscopy - arthrotomy for cartilage cell transplant. The last 5 cases have all been performed arthroscopically. we had age range form 17 to 56 and both males( 5) and females( 2) At last followup 5 cases had an excellent result with a foot and ankle score over 97( 100) one patient had a fair result. FA score 75-80. One patient at 4 months complained that symptoms were no different at 4 month mark. FA Score 50. Early results for Cartilage cell transplants for OCD of the Talus have been good. We need a larger series and longer followup hopefully with a multicenre blinded trail to see if these results will be worth the extra cost and risks involved.

Evaluation of cumulative prognostic score based on pretreatment plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.

This retrospective study was designed to determine the prognostic value of a cumulative score (FA score) based on pretreatment plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels for 326 patients newly diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off values. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the independent prognostic value of the FA scores associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The optimal cut-off values were 2.815 g/L for fibrinogen and 43.65 g/L for albumin. PFS and OS were significantly worse for patients with higher FA scores. Patients with elevated fibrinogen level and decreased albumin levels had 3.00-fold higher risk of tumor progression and had a 3.23-fold higher risk of death compared with those with normal values. Multivariate analysis demonstrated FA score was an independent predictive factor for PFS and OS. Moreover, PFS and OS were better for the patients with lower FA score, either in patients with grade III or IV gliomas. These findings indicated that the pretreatment FA score could serve as a simple and noninvasive marker to predict the prognosis of patients with HGG.

Prognostic scores based on the preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level as a prognostic factor in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

This study is to clarify the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level, as known as FA score, in a cohort of Chinese patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively evaluated clinicopathological data on 169 patients who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2013. The FA score was calculated based on cutoff values of 3.53g/L for fibrinogen and 43.56 g/L for albumin. Overall survival and cancer specific survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the equivalences of the curves were tested by log-rank tests. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied in univariate and multivariate analyses. In univariate analysis, tumor size, tumor grade, pathological T stage and FA score were significantly associated with overall survival and cancer specific survival, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified FA score (score 1: HR=3.486, 95%CI 1.358-8.948, p=0.009; HR=3.485, 95%CI 1.363-8.913, p=0.009, respectively; score 2: HR=5.509, 95%CI 2.144-14.158, p<0.001; HR=5.521, 95%CI 2.074-14.697, p=0.001, respectively) was an independent predictor for overall survival and cancer specific survival. The evaluation of preoperative FA score can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for predicting overall survival and cancer specific survival in UTUC. The fibrinogen and albumin levels are low cost and easy accessibility in clinical practice.

Prognostic significance of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and Albumin Score in esophageal cancer patients.

36 Background: The clinical outcome of esophageal cancer has recently improved. However, the relapse rate in any stages is still high. Prognostic classification in patients with esophageal cancer has not yet established. If the patients with poor prognosis could be extracted before surgery, we can add more intensive preoperative treatment, which might lead more favorable prognosis. We have previously reported clinical utility of fibrinogen (FNG) and Albumin (Alb) Score (FA score) in esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the utility of FA score comparing at each stage as a prognostic factor in esophageal cancer. Methods: Patient characteristics, clinicopathological factors, and preoperative biochemical markers (FNG, Alb, and CRP) were investigated in esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy between January 2004 and November 2013. Correlation between preoperative FNG, CRP, Alb, clnicopathological factors and survival were investigated. We evaluated between recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and FA score comparing at each stage. The cut-off value was defined according to previous reports; fibrinogen 350mg/dl, albumin 3.8mg/dl. Results: 252 patients were recorded. High FA score were correlated to worse OS and RFS (p &lt; 0.001). Especially in cStageI, high FA score showed remarkably worse 5-year RFS (score0/ score1/ score2, 5-year RFS 84%/ 64%/ 33%; p = 0.038). Conclusions: FA score was significantly associated with postoperative survival in esophageal cancer patients. If the patients with poor prognosis in cStageI could be extracted before surgery, we can add more intensive preoperative treatment, which might lead more favorable prognosis.

Correlation between change of FA score and postoperative recurrence in esophageal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant treatment.

41 Background: We previously reported that fibrinogen and albumin score (FA score), which was consisted of plasma fibrinogen level (FNG) and serum albumin level (Alb), was shown to predict postoperative survival in esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. In this study, in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), change of FA score during NAC was reviewed and the correlation with recurrence free survival (RFS) was investigated. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 125 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent transthoracic esophagectomy in our institution between 2001 and 2012. FNG and Alb before (preTx) and after (preope) NAC were confirmed in 92 patients. Based on our previous reports, patients with elevated fibrinogen ( &gt; 350 mg/dL) and decreased albumin ( &lt; 3.8 g/dl) levels were allocated a FA score of 2, those with only one of these abnormalities were allocated a FA score of 1, and those with neither of these abnormalities were allocated a FA score of 0. Regarding change of FA score, based on the preTx and preope FA score, we classified into decrease group and increase (no change or increase) group. Patient characteristics, clinicopathological factors, preTx FA score, and preope FA score were reviewed, and correlation with RFS was investigated. Results: The number of preTx and preope FA score 0/1/2 was 39/41/12, 36/37/19. Regarding change of FA score, FA score decreased in 70 patients (76%), increased in 22 (24%). There was no significant difference in patient background and clinicopathological factors between groups. In survival univariate analysis, change of FA score (Increase group, HR 2.023, p = 0.025) were significantly correlated with RFS. In multivariate analysis, using preTx clinical stage as a covariate, FA score was shown to be an independent predict factor (Increase group, HR 2.076, p = 0.023) for RFS significantly. Conclusions: Change of FA score between before and after NAC was shown to be a predictive factor of RFS in esophageal cancer patients who received NAC. Both fibrinogen and albumin are popular indicators routinely measured in daily clinical practice, FA score may be highly validate and feasible.

Osteochondral transplantation of autologous graft for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of talus: 5- to 7-year follow-up.

Bone marrow stimulation procedures (microfractures/drilling) are considered the gold standard for the primary treatment of osteochondral talar lesions. In the literature, there is lack of evidence about the appropriate treatment in cases of failure of these procedures. A technique of osteochondral autologous transplantation of talar graft was used. It was hypothesized that this is a successful method with good results and low complication rates. Additionally, a technique of anterior ankle approach with temporary removal of a bone block from the distal tibia that gives adequate access to posterior talar dome lesions is demonstrated. Between 2004 and 2007, 46 patients (37 males, 9 females), with OLT for which arthroscopic treatment with curettage and drilling or microfracture had failed, underwent osteochondral transplantation with an osteochondral graft harvested from the ipsilateral talar articular facet. A medial malleolar osteotomy or a distal tibial wedge osteotomy was used to access the talar dome defect. The median follow-up time was 5.5years (range 52-75m). Thirty-four lesions (70.8%) were located in the central talar dome in the coronal plane, while 26 (54.1%) and 19 (39.5%) lesions were located in the lateral and medial aspect of talar dome in saggital plane, respectively. The overall improvement between the preoperative and post-operative AOFAS and VAS FA score was 35 points (p<0.001) and 39 points (p<0.001), respectively. Clinical results were considered as good in 43 patients (93.4%) and fair in three patients (6.5%). All the transplanted grafts were observed to incorporate fully into the recipient bed. No complications occurred at the site of the malleolus osteotomy or tibial osteotomy and the donor site at the talus. The midterm results suggest that the technique of osteochondral transplantation of autologous talar graft for osteochondral lesions of talus after failure of primary treatment with bone marrow stimulation can be safely and successfully used. It demonstrates excellent post-operative scores including improvement of pain and function. This procedure is combined with removal of a tibial bone block and its subsequent replacement and does not yield complications experienced with other procedures. Retrospective case series, Level IV.