Follow-up Results Of Patients Research Articles

Long-term Effectiveness of Amoxicillin Prophylaxis for Children with Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux

Aim: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in the conservative treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has a long historical precedent. In this study, we investigated the long-term efficacy of amoxicillin as antibiotic prophylaxis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted to examine the clinical characteristics and follow-up results of patients with VUR who received amoxicillin prophylaxis for at least of six months. Results: A total of 44 patients were included in the study, comprising 13 girls (29.5%) and 31 boys (70.5%), with a mean age of 2.9±1.3 months. During a mean follow-up period of 27.4±19.4 months, nine patients (20.5%) experienced one urinary tract infection (UTI), while two patients (4.5%) had a febrile UTI. Antibiotic revision was performed in a total of four patients (9%), including two patients with a febrile UTI and two patients with gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: The long-term follow-up of patients with VUR who have been treated with amoxicillin prophylaxis has demonstrated that this is an effective and safe treatment option.

Abstract 4140100: Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of the Left Main Coronary Artery Bifurcation: Insights from PROGRESS-BIFURCATION registry

Background: There is limited data on the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main coronary artery (LM) bifurcation lesions. Methods: This retrospective, observational, cohort study was performed across 6 centers in the United States, Russia, and Turkey between 2013-2024, as part of the Prospective Global Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Bifurcation Lesions (PROGRESS-BIFURCATION, NCT05100992). We examined procedural characteristics and follow-up outcomes of patients with versus without LM bifurcation lesions undergoing PCI. Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% CI were calculated using Cox regression. Results: Of 1,089 patients who underwent bifurcation PCI, 289 (26.5%) underwent LM PCI. Patients in the LM group were older (70.1±11.9 vs 65.4±11.5 years; p<0.001) and had more comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart failure, prior PCI, and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Two-stent techniques were more commonly used in LM patients vs. non-LM patients (39.3% vs 26.5%, p<0.001), with similar technical success (94.8% vs 95.9%, p=0.41) and procedural success (93.1% vs 93.1%; p=0.99). The incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was higher in LM patients (7.9% vs 4.5%, p=0.04). During long-term follow-up LM PCI patients had higher mortality (aHR 3.17; 95% CI 1.22-8.18; p<0.001), without significant differences in MACE (aHR 1.81; 95% CI 0.93-3.52; p=0.08), myocardial infarction (aHR 0.50; 95% CI 0.07-3.52; p=0.50), and target-vessel PCI revascularization (aHR 2.56; 95% CI 0.75-8.78; p=0.14). Conclusion: Follow-up mortality in patients undergoing bifurcation PCI, classified according to whether they underwent left main or non-left main PCI.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation: initial experience from a tertiary hospital in China

Abstract Background Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) has currently become an effective alternative to open kidney transplantation (OKT), which has long been considered the gold standard for kidney transplant surgery. This study aimed to summarize our initial experience with RAKT and explore its safety and feasibility. Materials and methods Ten cases of RAKT, including 8 cases of deceased-donor kidney transplantation and 2 cases of living-donor kidney transplantation, were performed at our center from March 2023 to November 2023. Perioperative clinical data and follow-up results of patients were collected and statistically analyzed. Results All RAKT surgeries were performed successfully with no complications. The average operative time was 297.90 ± 65.59 minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The average serum creatinine level decreased from 918.14 ± 166.63 μmol/L preoperatively to 109.89 ± 29.89 μmol/L at discharge. The postoperative outcomes of RAKT from both deceased and living donors were satisfactory during the follow-up period. Conclusions RAKT is an effective alternative to OKT and is suitable for both deceased- and living-donor kidney transplantations. The postoperative outcomes were satisfactory, and the postoperative complications were acceptable. RAKT appears to be a safe and feasible procedure for transplantation teams skilled in OKT and robot-assisted surgery.

Outcomes of multidisciplinary management of pulmonary nodules in a tertiary center

Objective: A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for managing pulmonary nodules. This study aimed to examine the malignancy rates, malignancy determinants, and follow-up results of patients with pulmonary nodules whom the multidisciplinary team evaluates. Methods: Clinical characteristics of the patients, radiological and histological characteristics of the nodules, and the follow-up outcomes were documented retrospectively. A total of 94 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) (n=58) and multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs) (n=36) were included in the study. Results: Our study showed that malignancy risk increased with irregular nodule margins (p < 0.008). Patients who had tissue sampling from suspected nodules exhibited markedly higher rates of previous malignancy than those who did not (58.5% vs. 19.5% p<0.001). For the patients with solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN), the group for whom biopsy was planned had more underlying malignancy (p=0.011) and had a bigger nodule size of 10 mm (range, 8.0-13.25 mm) vs 15.00 mm (range, 10.0-19.75 mm) (p=0.003). Among the patients who have multiple pulmonary nodules (MPN), eighty-four percent of patients in the biopsy group had underlying malignancy diagnoses, whereas this rate was 26% in the CT follow-up group (p=0.002). Adenocarcinoma was the most common SPN histology and squamous cell carcinoma for MPNs. The Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Board identified malignancy in 60% of patients with SPNs and 92.3% of those with MPNs/ Conclusions: Patients evaluated in the multidisciplinary tumor board consist of a very diverse patient group. Discerning between malignant and benign conditions relies heavily on examining nodule features and assessing malignancy history.

Prevalence and Influence of Genetic Variants on Follow-Up Results in Patients Surviving Thoracic Aortic Therapy.

Background/Objective: To investigate the prevalence and effects of genetic variants (GVs) in survivors of thoracic aortic dissection/aneurysm repair. Methods: Patients aged 18-80 years who survived follow-up after cardiosurgical or endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection at a single tertiary center between 2008 and 2019 and underwent genetic testing were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were age >60 years, no offspring, and inflammatory- or trauma-related pathogenesis. Follow-up entailed computed tomography-angiography at 3 and 9 months and annually thereafter. All patients underwent genetic analyses of nine genes using next-generation sequencing. In cases of specific suspicion, the analysis was expanded to include 32 genes. Results: The study included 95 patients. The follow-up period was 3 ± 2.5 years. GVs were detected in 40% of patients. Correlation analysis according to primary diagnosis showed no significant correlation in disease persistence, progression, or in reintervention rates in aneurysm patients and a correlation of disease persistence with genetic variants according to variant class in dissection patients (p = 0.037). Correlation analysis according to follow-up CD finding revealed that patients with detected dissection, irrespective of original pathology, showed a strong correlation with genetic variants regarding disease progression and reintervention rates (p = 0.012 and p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of VUS is high in patients with aortic pathology. In patients with dissected aorta in the follow-up, irrespective of original pathology, genetic variants correlate with higher reintervention rates, warranting extended-spectrum genetic testing. The role of VUS may be greater than is currently known.

Approach to cases diagnosed with mesenteric panniculitis

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to report the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up results of patients who came to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and were diagnosed with Mesenteric Panniculitis (MP) by Abdominal Computed Tomography (ACT). Method: 32 patients diagnosed with MP by ACT were examined retrospectively. The patients' age, gender, admission leukocyte count, CRP values, comorbidities, medications prescribed at discharge, and relapse status were evaluated. Results: Of the 32 patients included in the study, 11 were male (34.4%), 21 were female (65.6%), and they had a mean age of 58.75±12.31 years. The average leukocyte value at first admission was 8240±2530 /mm³, CRP average 24.93±47.39 mg/L, neutrophil percentage was not above 80% in any patient. No patients were hospitalized. Recurrence was occurred in 2 (6.25%) patients (after 6 months and 28 months). No malignancy were during follow-up. Conclusion: MP was diagnosed with ACT. No biopsy was required for diagnosis. Medical treatment was sufficient, no surgical procedure was performed on the patients.

Immunohistochemistry staining of Eag1 and p16/Ki-67 can help improve the management of patients with cervical intraepithelial Neoplasia after cold knife conversion

BackgroundImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is widely used in the management of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) but still has many limitations in clinical practice. We analyzed the correlation of new biomarkers with the severity of CIN and follow-up outcomes in patients after conization to improve the management of patients with CIN.MethodsIHC staining of Eag1 and p16/Ki-67 was performed on cervical tissue sections from 234 patients with suspected CIN2/3. After a series of follow-ups, including human papillomavirus (HPV) test and thinprep cytologic test (TCT) for 1–2 years, the outcomes were collected. IHC scores of biomarkers and follow-up results were used to analyze the correlation and assess the diagnostic efficiency of biomarkers.ResultsThe IHC staining intensity of Eag1 and p16/Ki-67 was significantly different from that of the CIN1-3 groups (p < 0.05). Eag1 expression scores were significantly different in the distribution between the two follow-up groups (p < 0.001). ROC curves based on the correlations between the follow-up outcomes and the Eag1 scores and IS of p16/ki-67 showed that Eag1 had a greater AUC (0.767 vs. 0.666). Logistic regression analysis of the combination of biomarkers revealed a greater AUC value than any single biomarker.ConclusionsEag1 expression was significantly correlated with CIN grade and follow-up outcomes after conization. IHC staining of combinations of biomarkers of Eag1, p16 and Ki-67 may help us to improve the ability to identify risk groups with abnormal follow-up outcomes after treatment for CIN.

A new technique for the treatment of ureteric stricture after kidney transplantation.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic treatments with Allium® metal ureteric stent (AMUS) for ureteric strictures after kidney transplantation (KT). In a prospective manner, we gathered clinical data from 68 patients who underwent endoscopic treatments with AMUS for ureteric strictures after KT between January 2019 and March 2022. The definition of surgical success was the unobstructed drainage of the AMUS, or in cases where there was AMUS migration, occlusion or encrustation and subsequently removed, there is no worsening of renal hydronephrosis in the patient during the follow-up period. Based on the specific circumstances of the ureteric strictures, three distinct types of surgery were selected for treatment. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatments for ureteric strictures following KT was 90% (61/68) during a follow-up period of 1 year. Surgical complications included haematuria (18%), pain (10%), urinary tract infections (7.4%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (7.4%). The incidences of stent migration, occlusion, and encrustation were 10%, 2.9%, and 1.5%, respectively. Postoperatively, significant improvements were observed in various parameters. At 1 month after surgery, there was a notable decrease in blood creatinine levels (105.5 vs 90.4 mol/L), urea nitrogen levels (6.6 vs 5.4 mmol/L), and hydronephrosis volume (64.4 vs 43.9 mL). Additionally, the serum estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 49.5 to 64.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. The follow-up results of patients at 1 year after surgery were similar to those observed at 1 month after surgery. Systemic endoscopic treatments with AMUS were found to be safe and effective for ureteric strictures after KT with short-term follow-ups. This technique offers a novel option for the treatment of post-KT strictures.

Is mesh pore size in polypropylene meshes associated with the outcome in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: a registry-based analysis of 22,141 patients

IntroductionExperimental data show that large-pored meshes reduce foreign body reaction, inflammation and scar bridging and thus improve mesh integration. However, clinical data on the effect of mesh porosity on the outcome of hernioplasty are limited. This study investigated the relation of pore size in polypropylene meshes to the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using data from the Herniamed registry.MethodsThis analysis of data from the Herniamed registry evaluated perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene meshes. Patients operated with a non-polypropylene mesh or a polypropylene mesh with absorbable components were excluded. Polypropylene meshes with a pore size of 1.0 × 1.0 mm or less were defined as small-pored meshes, while a pore size of more than 1.0 × 1.0 mm was considered large-pored.Unadjusted analyses and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relation of pore size of polypropylene meshes, patient and surgical characteristics to the outcome parameters.ResultsData from 22,141 patients were analyzed, of which 6853 (31%) were operated on with a small-pore polypropylene mesh and 15,288 (69%) with a large-pore polypropylene mesh. No association of mesh pore size with intraoperative, general or postoperative complications, recurrence rate or pain requiring treatment was found at 1-year follow-up. A lower risk of complication-related reoperation tended to be associated with small-pore size (p = 0.086). Furthermore, small-pore mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionThe present study could not demonstrate an advantage of large-pore polypropylene meshes for the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.

Off target of distal interlocking screw in short cephalomedullary nail fixation for intertrochanteric femur fractures

To analyze the causes and treatment of off target of the distal interlocking screws when short cephalomeduallry nails were installed through jig-guided targeting device, and to put forward the technical points to prevent off target. Retrospective analysis of 9 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated between July 2014 and June 2023 was conducted, in which off target occurred during the insertion of the distal interlocking screw by jig-guided targeting device in short cephalomedullary nailling (<24 cm). There were 1 male and 8 females, with an average age of 82.7 years (range, 73-94 years). There were 3 cases of type A1, 5 cases of type A2, and 1 case of type A3 according to 2018-AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification. As for the misaligned distal interlocking screw, six parameters were collected and analyzed, including the time of finding, the position, the type of passing through the cortical bone, the special circumstances during operation (such as the need to remove the intramedullary nail for reaming the diaphysis, hammering, etc.), the treatment, and the patient follow-up results. In the 9 patients, the off target of the distal interlocking screw was found in 7 cases during operation and in 2 cases after operation; the locking screw was located behind the nail in 7 cases and in front of the nail in 2 cases; the off target locking screw was passing tangentially in transcortical patern in 6 cases and in bicortical pattern through the medullary cavity in 3 cases. Three cases were attributed to the mismatch between the nail and the femur, two of which were attributed to the narrow femoral medullary cavity, one of which was attributed to the large anterolateral femoral bowing, and the other 6 cases were attributed to technical errors such as the loosening of the jig-guided targeting device, the tension of the fascia lata, and the blunt of the drill. In the 7 cases found during operation, the misaligned interlocking screw was removed first and the screw hole was left vacant, then in 2 cases, the interlocking screw was not used further; in 1 case, the distal dynamic hole was successfully inserted with a dynamic guide frame, and in 4 cases, the interlocking screw was successfully put after 2-3 attempts, leaving a large hole in the lateral cortex. No special treatment was performed in 2 cases found after operation. One patient was out of bed early after operation, 7 patients were in bed for 1 month, and 1 patient deteriorated to A3 type after operation and was in bed for 3 months. All the 9 patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 8 months. Fracture healing was achieved in 8 patients. One patient with vacant interlocking screw had a secondary spiral fracture of the femoral shaft 3 months later, and was refixed with a long cephalomedullary nail and circlage wiring. Distal interlocking screw off target is rare, but when it occurs, it leaves a large cortical hole in the osteoporotic femoral shaft, reducing bone strength; the use of precision instruments and attention to technical details can reduce this adverse phenomenon.

Relationship between high sensitivity troponin I and clinical outcomes in non–acute coronary syndrome (non-ACS) acute heart failure patients – a one-year follow-up study

ObjectiveThe primary objective of the study was to investigate the correlation between high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTropI) levels during hospitalization and the prognostic outcome in patients with non-acute coronary syndrome (non-ACS) acute heart failure, over a follow-up period of one year. The secondary objective was to assess and characterize acute heart failure during index hospitalization. MethodsHigh sensitivity troponin I value was noted both at the time of admission and discharge. The correlation of admission hsTropI along with other parameters and risk factors with in-hospital mortality was studied. Patients of index hospitalization after discharge were followed up for one year and the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or re-hospitalization for heart failure was noted. The correlation between admission and discharge hsTropI values with the composite endpoint was then analyzed. ResultsOut of 350 patients, 38 (10.8 %) patients died during index hospitalization while 142 patients (46 %) developed composite outcomes during follow-up. Age, previous history of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, low left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, and high values of hsTropI above 99th percentiles were independent in-hospital mortality predictors. The value of hsTropI at the time of admission was not associated with poor composite outcome during follow-up. However, patients who showed an increasing trend of hsTropI value at the time of discharge were found to have a significant increase in the composite outcome. ConclusionHigh-sensitivity troponin I is a valuable biomarker that can predict in-hospital mortality and long-term follow-up outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. It plays a crucial role in developing improved strategies for heart failure surveillance and management in the community.

Has collateral blood flow any effect on restenosis rate? Our experience.

Restenosis is one of the important factors affecting the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. We aimed to clarify whether recruitable collateral flow could cause restenosis in patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. Our study retrospectively analyzed patients with symptomatic severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (≥70%) who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. We enrolled 28 patients with restenosis and 71 patients without restenosis. We analyzed baseline data, perioperative events, and follow-up results of patients in the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify restenosis predictors. For preoperative stroke, the restenosis group had a greater likelihood of having a previous stroke (89.3%), which was less prevalent in the non-restenosis group (66.2%) (P = 0.020). The restenosis group had a higher rate of re-stroke (21.4 vs. 4.2%, P = 0.022). After binary logistic regression analysis, collateral circulation and residual stenosis were independent risk factors of restenosis, with overall risk (95% confidence intervals) of 5.034 (1.484-4.066, P < 0.001) and 1.064 (1.006-1.125, P = 0.030), respectively. Restenosis risk increased 1.456-fold for each collateral circulation grade increase. However, for each 1% increase in residual stenosis, restenosis risk increased by 5.9% (P = 0.03). The chance of restenosis is minimal when the residual stenosis rate after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation is 15.85%. Good collateral circulation was significantly associated with restenosis in patients undergoing intracranial angioplasty, the residual stenosis rate tends to be 15.85% to reduce restenosis risk. Compared to patients with restenosis, those without restenosis have a low stroke risk during follow-up.

Long-term follow-up of inpatients with meniscus tears who received integrative Korean medicine treatment: A retrospective analysis and follow-up survey.

Evidence regarding the use of Korean medicine (KM) for the conservative treatment of meniscus tears remains lacking. We aimed to evaluate clinical effectiveness and long-term follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing integrative KM treatment for meniscus tears. We analyzed the electronic medical records (EMRs) of 86 patients with meniscus tears and administered a follow-up survey. Patients treated at 1 of 4 KM hospitals between June 1, 2015, and June 30, 2020, were reviewed. KM treatment comprised herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, bee venom pharmacopuncture, Chuna therapy, and KM physiotherapy. The primary outcome was the numeric rating scale (NRS) score for knee pain; secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) score, range of motion, and patient global impression of change. The NRS for knee pain was reduced by an average of 2.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03-2.95) at discharge and 1.97 (95% CI: 2.03-2.95) at follow-up. The WOMAC decreased by an average of 15.52 (95% CI: 10.14-20.89) during hospital stay and 30.72 (95% CI: 24.58-36.87) at follow-up. The EQ-5D score increased by an average of 0.06 (95% CI: -0.14 to 0.02) at discharge and 0.19 (95% CI: -0.29 to -0.09) at follow up. KM treatment effectively reduced knee pain, improved knee joint function, and enhanced the quality of life in patients with a meniscus tear for a relatively long period after treatment.

Impact of residual coronary lesions on outcomes of myocardial infarction patients with multi-vessel disease

BackgroundThe residual burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) drew a growing interest. The residual SYNTAX Score (rSS) was a strong prognostic factor of adverse events and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent PCI. In addition, the SYNTAX Revascularization Index (SRI), a derivative of rSS, was used to figure out the treated proportion of CAD and could be used as a prognostic utility in PCI for patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD).PurposeWe aimed at the assessment of the use of rSS and the SRI as predictors of in-hospital outcomes and up to two-year cumulative follow-up outcomes in patients with MVD who had PCI for the treatment of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-STEMI (NSTEMI).MethodsWe recruited 149 patients who had either STEMI or NSTEMI while having MVD and received treatment with PCI. We divided them into tertiles based on their rSS and SRI values. We calculated baseline SYNTAX Score (bSS) and rSS using the latest version of the calculator on the internet, and we used both scores to calculate SRI. The study end-points were In-hospital composite Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and its components, in-hospital death, and follow-up cumulative MACE up to 2 years.ResultsNeither rSS nor SRI were significant predictors of in-hospital adverse events, while female sex, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of in-hospital MACE. At the two-year follow-up, Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a significantly increased incidence of MACE within the third rSS tertile (rSS > 12) compared to other tertiles (log rank p = 0.03). At the same time, there was no significant difference between the three SRI tertiles. Unlike SRI, rSS was a significant predictor of cumulative MACE on univariate Cox regression (HR = 1.037, p < 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression, rSS was a significant independent predictor of two-year cumulative MACE (HR = 1.038, p = 0.0025) along with female sex, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction. We also noted that all patients with complete revascularization survived well throughout the entire follow-up period.ConclusionsNeither rSS nor SRI could be good predictors of in-hospital MACE, while the rSS was a good predictor of MACE at two-year follow-up. Patients with rSS values > 12 had a significantly higher incidence of cumulative MACE after 2 years. The best prognosis was achieved with complete revascularization.

Guideline-Based Follow-Up Outcomes in Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor With Low Risk of Recurrence

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) follow-up is recommended by international guidelines, but data on the role of follow-up in patients with low relapse risk are missing. For these patients, the potential benefit of anticipating recurrence detection should be weighed against psychological burden and radiologic examination loads in terms of costs and radiation exposure. To evaluate the outcomes of guideline-based follow-up in low-risk GIST. This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study involving Italian Sarcoma Group reference institutions evaluated patients with GIST who underwent surgery between January 2001 and June 2019. Median follow-up time was 69.2 months. Data analysis was performed from December 15, 2022, to March 20, 2023. Patients with GIST at low risk according to Armed Forces Institute of Pathology criteria were included provided adequate clinical information was available: primary site, size, mitotic index, surgical margins, and 2 or more years of follow-up. All patients underwent follow-up according to European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines. The primary outcome was the number of tests needed to identify a relapse according to ESMO guidelines follow-up plan. Secondary outcomes included relapse rate, relapse timing, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), GIST-specific survival (GIST-SS), postrelapse OS, secondary tumor rates, and theoretical ionizing radiation exposure. An exploratory end point, new follow-up schedule proposal for patients with low-risk GIST according to the observed results, was also assessed. A total of 737 patients (377 men [51.2%]; median age at diagnosis, 63 [range, 18-86] years) with low-risk GIST were included. Estimated 5-year survival rates were 95.5% for DFS, 99.8% for GIST-SS, and 96.1% for OS. Estimated 10-year survival rates were 93.4% for DFS, 98.1% for GIST-SS, and 91.0% for OS. Forty-two patients (5.7%) experienced disease relapse during follow-up (9 local, 31 distant, 2 both), of which 9 were detected after 10 or more years. This translated into approximately 1 relapse detected for every 170 computed tomography scans performed, with a median radiation exposure of 80 (IQR, 32-112) mSv per patient. Nongastric primary tumor (hazard ratio [HR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.14-3.83; P = .02), and KIT mutation (HR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.05-7.27; P = .04) were associated with a higher risk of relapse. Second tumors affected 187 of 737 patients (25%), of which 56 were detected during follow-up and represented the primary cause of death in these patients. In this cohort study on patients affected by low-risk GISTs, the risk of relapse was low despite a follow-up across 10 or more years. These data suggest the need to revise follow-up schedules to reduce the anxiety, costs, and radiation exposure of currently recommended follow-up strategy.

The effect of chronotypes on follow-up outcomes of patients with substance use disorder.

Substance use disorder (SUD) can have circadian characteristics and individuals with evening chronotype are more prone to addiction. In this study, the effect of chronotypes on the treatment outcomes of SUD was investigated. The study included 66 patients who were diagnosed with SUD according to DSM-5. Two clinical interviews were conducted at 6-month intervals, and remission/relapse status was evaluated at the second interview. The Structured Clinical Interview Form for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Addiction Profile Index Practitioner Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were applied to the patients. MEQ scores of relapsed patients were found to be different in terms of eveningness than those in remission (45.62 ± 8.70 versus 49.75 ± 7.60, p = 0.045). As the craving and addiction profile index total scores (addiction severity) increased, eveningness chronotype scores also increased (r = - 0.387 and r = - 0.286, respectively). The mean scores of craving and BDI were higher in relapsed patients compared to those in remission (p = 0.003 and p = 0.015, respectively). Our results suggest that patients with SUD had a lower morningness chronotype than the general population; additionally, more relapsed patients had an eveningness chronotype. Thus, chronotypes may play a role in the onset, prevention, and treatment outcome of SUD.

Clinical parameters of laminoplasty and laminectomy with fusion in the treatment of cervical spondylosis and analysis of postoperative sagittal balance.

Cervical spondylosis is a progressive disease that causes degenerative changes affecting the spine, intervertebral discs, facets, and ligaments. With anterior and posterior surgical interventions, effective treatments can be applied in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The relationship between regional and global spinal alignment and functional and pain outcomes was examined and it was revealed that these parameters play a significant role in obtaining good results. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative and follow-up results of patients with CSM who underwent laminoplasty or laminectomy with fusion. CSM patients who were operated on between 2015 and 2020 and had at least 2 years of clinical and radiological follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups as the laminoplasty group and the laminectomy with fusion group, according to a simple random method. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and perioperative parameters were examined. Measurements were made by an independent observer using Surgimap and 2 years was considered to be sufficient time for the spine to take its final shape. A total of 112 patients, including 68 males and 44 females, were included. Of these patients, 69 were in the laminectomy with fusion group, and 43 were in the laminoplasty group. Patient ages ranged from 39 to 85 years. The mean follow-up period was 36.28 months. In both groups, at the 3-month follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in the clinical parameters (neck disability index, visual analogue scale, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores) was observed. When the preoperative cervical radiological parameters were evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. The C2-C7 lordotic angles and the cervical SVA values were increased in the postoperative period, for both groups (p < 0.001). Although it is noteworthy that the increases were higher in the laminectomy with fusion group, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Deformity in a spinal segment may indirectly affect another segment. Being aware of the compensatory mechanisms and radiological parameters will help in determining the effective treatment plan.

Non-HDL cholesterol and long-term follow-up outcomes in patients with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundNon-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has been identified as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, its predictive capability for MetS varies among different ethnic groups, necessitating further investigation. This study aimed to assess the role of non-HDL-C in the early diagnosis of MetS in the Iranian population through a longitudinal study with a 10-year follow-up period.MethodsOur study enrolled 4684 individuals from the MASHAD (Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder) cohort who were followed for 10 years to examine the association between non-HDL-C and the incidence of MetS. Additionally, the contribution of individual MetS components to the overall burden was evaluated.ResultsA total of 1599 subjects developed MetS, while 3085 did not. Non-HDL-C levels ≥ 130 were associated with a 42% higher risk of developing MetS (relative risk (RR), 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–1.62). Regarding MetS components, elevated waist circumference (WC) showed the strongest association with MetS incidence (RR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.45–2.9), whereas triglyceride (TG) levels ≥ 150 mg/dL demonstrated the weakest association (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04–1.46). Additionally, higher HDL-C levels were reported to be 20% protective against the risk of MetS (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.73–0.86). Moreover, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels ≥ 100 mg/dL were not significantly linked to MetS burden, while systolic blood pressure (BP) levels ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP levels ≥ 85 mmHg increased the risk of MetS incidence (RR, 1.25; 95% CI: 1.11–1.41).ConclusionsElevated non-HDL-C and increased WC serve as significant predictors of MetS in Iranians. Strategies targeting non-HDL-C levels and weight loss should be emphasized to mitigate the risk of MetS development.

Anterior segment complications after dexamethasone implantations:real world data.

We aim to contribute to the literature in terms of treatment safety with our real world data by examining the anterior segment complications and follow-up results of patients who underwent dexamethasone implants in our clinic. The records of patients treated with at least one intravitreal dexamethasone implant for various retinal diseases: diabetic macular edema (265 eyes), central retinal vein occlusion (45 eyes), retinal vein branch occlusion (91 eyes), postoperative cystoid macular edema (18 eyes), non-infectious uveitis (37 eyes) and other (14 eyes) between July 2013 and April 2020 were reviewed. After 925 injections were applied to 470 eyes of a total of 383 patients, the eyes were controlled during a mean follow-up of 24months. No complications were detected in 328 eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) above 25mmHg was detected in 97 eyes (20.6%) that had no previous history of ocular hypertension. Of these 97 eyes, 71 (73.1%) eyes with increased IOP were treated with topical monotherapy, 26 (26.8%) eyes were treated with topical combined therapy and 1 (1.03%) patient had glaucoma surgery. Cataracts requiring surgical intervention developed in 55 (%21.73) of 253 phakic eyes. Three patients have anterior chamber dislocation of dexamethasone, 1 patient was hospitalized with sterile endophthalmitis on the 7th day after the injection, and pars plana vitrectomy was performed. This study is the first long-term follow-up study in our country evaluating the safety of dexamethasone implant injections in various retinal diseases and presenting the first real world data. Cataract progression and increased IOP were found to be the most common side effects. We observed that the patient's diagnosis did not cause a statistically significant change in the observation of side effects. As a result of our findings, close follow-up of IOP after the injection of dexamethasone implants would be appropriate.

Sex-Comparative Outcomes of the T-Branch Device for the Treatment of Complex Aortic Aneurysms.

Females are at increased risk of mortality compared to males after complex endovascular aortic repair. This study aims to examine sex-related peri-operative and follow-up outcomes in patients managed with the t-Branch device. A two-center retrospective analysis of patients managed with the off-the-shelf t-Branch device (Cook Medical Inc., Bjaeverskov, Denmark) between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2020 was performed. Primary outcomes were sex-comparative 30-day mortality, major adverse events (MAEs) and spinal cord ischemia (SCI). A total of 542 patients were included; 28.0% were females. Urgent repair and type I-III thoracoabdominal aneurysms were more common among females (52.6% vs. 34%, p = 0.01, and 57.1% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.004). Technical success was similar (97.4% vs. 96.9%, p = 0.755), as well as early mortality (16.2% in females vs. 10.8% in males; p = 0.084). SCI rates were similar between groups (13.6% vs. 9.2% p = 0.183). MAEs were more common in females; 33.7% vs. 21.4% (p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis did not identify sex as an independent predictor of adverse events. The 12-month survival rate was 75.7% (SE 0.045) for females and 84.1% (SE 0.026) for males (log rank, p = 0.10). Sex was not detected as an independent factor of mortality, MAEs and SCI within patients managed with the t-Branch device. Feasibility was high in both groups. No significant difference was shown in survival during the 12-month follow-up.