Good Long-term Control Research Articles

Long-term Visual Acuity Outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy in Pediatric Glaucoma.

This study provides evidence of the long-term efficacy and safety of Deep Sclerectomy as a successful surgical intervention option in cases with childhood glaucoma. The primary objective was to evaluate the long-term visual acuity outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy in pediatric glaucoma and identify factors predicting poor prognosis. The secondary objective was to evaluate the long-term success rate of Deep Sclerectomy in controlling intraocular pressure. A retrospective review was conducted of all pediatric patients who underwent deep sclerectomy at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) between 2001 and 2016. We included all patients who had valid visual acuity tests. The preoperative findings and long-term visual and intraocular pressure outcomes were analyzed. A total of 83 eyes of 68 patients were included. The mean (SD) age of participants was 11.1 (4.0) years (range: 5-25 years). The mean age at surgery was 5.9 months, and the mean follow-up period was 10.75 years. The majority of cases (83.1%) were primary congenital glaucoma. Visual acuity was ≥ 20/40 in 56.6% of cases, ranged between 20/40 and 20/200 in 18.1%, and was ≤ 20/200 in 25.3% of the operated eyes. Complete success rate (IOP ≤ 21mmHg without medications) after one surgery was achieved in 53 eyes (63.86%). Qualified success rate (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with medications) was achieved in 8 eyes (9.6%), while 22 eyes (26.5%) failed to achieve target IOP of ≤ 21 mmHg or needed additional surgery to achieve it. Nine eyes (10.74%) had post-operative complications. Deep sclerectomy is a reasonable option for pediatric glaucoma that can provide good long-term visual outcomes and IOP control with a lower risk of surgical complications.

Long-term outcomes of central neurocytoma - an institutional experience.

Central Neurocytoma (CN) is a rare, WHO grade 2 brain tumor that predominantly affects young adults. Gross total resection (GTR) is often curative for CNs, but the optimal treatment paradigm including incorporation of RT, following subtotal resection (STR) and for scarcer pediatric cases has yet to be established. Patients between 2001 and 2021 with a pathologic diagnosis of CN were reviewed. Demographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics were recorded. Recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated according to the Kaplan Meier-method. Post-RT tumor volumetric regression analysis was performed. Seventeen adults (≥ 18 years old) and 5 children (< 18 years old) met the criteria for data analysis (n = 22). With a median follow-up of 6.9 years, there was no tumor-related mortality. Patients who received STR and/or had atypical tumors (using a cut-off of Ki-67 > 4%) experienced decreased RFS compared to those who received GTR and/or were without atypical tumors. RFS at 5 years for typical CNs was 67% compared to 22% for atypical CNs. Every pediatric tumor was atypical and 3/5 recurred within 5 years. Salvage RT following tumor recurrence led to no further recurrences within the timeframe of continued follow-up; volumetric analysis for 3 recurrent tumors revealed an approximately 80% reduction in tumor size. We provide encouraging evidence that CNs treated with GTR or with RT after tumor recurrence demonstrate good long-term tumor control.

Long-Term Outcomes of Surgery and Radiation Treatment for Adult Patients with Craniopharyngioma

Treatment of craniopharyngioma typically entails gross total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection with adjuvant radiation (STR-RT). We analyzed outcomes in adults with craniopharyngioma undergoing GTR versus STR-RT. This retrospective study enrolled 115 patients with craniopharyngioma in 5 institutions. Patients with STR received postoperative RT with stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated radiation therapy per institutional preference and ability to spare optic structures. Median age was 44 years (range, 19-79 years). GTR was performed in 34 patients and STR-RT was performed in 81 patients with median follow-up of 78.9 months (range, 1-268 months). For GTR, local control was 90.5% at 2 years, 87.2% at 3 years, and 71.9% at 5 years. For STR-RT, local control was 93.6% at 2 years, 90.3% at 3 years, and 88.4% at 5 years. At 5 years following resection, there was no difference in local control (P= 0.08). Differences in rates of visual deterioration or panhypopituitarism were not observed between GTR and STR-RT groups. There was no difference in local control in adamantinomatous and papillary craniopharyngioma regardless of treatment. Additionally, worse local control was found in patients receiving STR-RT who were underdosed with fractionated radiation therapy (P= 0.03) or stereotactic radiosurgery (P= 0.04). Good long-term control was achieved in adults with craniopharyngioma who underwent STR-RT or GTR with no significant difference in local control. First-line treatment for craniopharyngioma should continue to be maximal safe resection followed by RT as needed to balance optimal local control with long-term morbidity.

Giant Meningiomas Invading the Cavernous Sinus: The “Inevitable Ones”

Abstract Introduction Giant meningiomas invading the cavernous sinus (GMICSs) are a subgroup of challenging tumors due to their volume and the extent of neurological impairment. Preserving quality of life is one of the most relevant aspects of treating patients with GMICS. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for surgeries performed between 2012 and 2022, including 33 patients presenting meningiomas with the largest diameter of at least 5 cm invading the cavernous sinus. The data from surgical intervention, Simpson grade of resection, tumor location, and morbimortality related to the surgeries were reviewed. Results The group comprised 25 women and 8 men with a median age of 56 years. The mean follow-up period was 52 months. The tumors were in the sphenoid wing, anterior clinoid, spheno-orbital, spheno-petroclival, petroclival, and Meckel's cave. Simpson grade I, II, and III were obtained in 70% of cases. The meningiomas were classified as WHO grade 1 in 94%, grade 2 in 3%, and grade 3 in 3%. The overall mortality was 3%. Permanent cranial nerve deficits occurred in 21%, transient cranial nerve deficits in 42%, cerebrospinal fistula in 15%, and hemiparesis in 18%. The recurrence/regrowth rate was 6%. The Karnofsky Performance Status score of 100 and 90 was 82%. Conclusions The surgical treatment of GMICS is an effective treatment modality with acceptable morbimortality and good long-term control. Involvement of the internal carotid artery is essential to determine the extent of resection inside the cavernous sinus, and training in the microsurgical laboratory is mandatory for safe surgical treatment.

Superficial temporal artery interposition bypass for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms: Flexible and creative options for flow preservation bypass

PurposeFlow-preservation bypass is a treatment option for complex intracranial aneurysms (IAs) that cannot be managed with microsurgical clipping or endovascular treatment. Various bypass methods are available, including interposition grafts such as the radial artery or saphenous vein. Size discrepancy, invasiveness, and procedure complexity must be considered when using interposition grafts. We describe our experience of treating complex IAs using a superficial temporal artery (STA) interposition bypass. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records and operative videos of all patients who were treated for complex IAs at our center from January 2009 to December 2021 using cerebral revascularization. Clinical, radiological, and surgical findings of the cases that underwent STA interposition bypass were investigated. ResultsSeventy-six bypass procedures were performed of which seven (9.2%) complex IAs were managed using STA interposition bypass. Of these 5 cases were of anterior cerebral artery, 1 of middle cerebral artery, and 1 of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. There were no postoperative ischemic complications. Revision surgery for postoperative pseudomeningocele was performed in one case. The long-term bypass patency rate was 85.7% (6 out of 7) and good long-term aneurysm control was achieved in all cases, with a mean follow-up of 64 months. ConclusionsWhen treating complex IAs, creative revascularization strategies are needed in selective cases for favorable outcomes. STA interposition graft bypass which can reduce the size discrepancy between the donor and recipient may be a less invasive, flexible, and practical option for treating complex IAs.

Achievement of good long-term control with direct oral anticoagulant for Buerger's disease.

Achievement of good long-term control with direct oral anticoagulant for Buerger's disease.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a genetic mutation.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a group of rare genetic disorders that mimics the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, but it is due to a genetic defect. We present a case of a male CMS patient, and the course of the disease through the years. The patient initially presented with generalized muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing. During the follow-up, he developed difficulty in chewing, bilateral external ophthalmoparesis with an almost full block of eye movements and bulbar syndrome. The case illustrates both the clinical heterogeneity and the progressive worsening of the symptoms of the disease over the years. The optimal treatment for CMS is based on the molecular defect and its localization in the neuromuscular junction. In our case, treatment with pyridostigmine resulted in good long-term control of symptoms. As a result of the patient's good compliance with treatment, he was not admitted to hospital because of respiratory distress. The lack of a unified protocol for the treatment of CMS highlights the need for a more personalized approach when dealing with patients with rare diseases.

Long-term Outcomes of Early-stage Non-stomach Gastrointestinal Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Treated With Radiation Therapy.

Non-stomach gastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare, and there are only a few reports regarding radiation therapy (RT) for non-stomach gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma. There has been no established cure and no reports on RT use with long-term follow-up. Herein, we report a retrospective long-term investigation of early-stage non-stomach gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma. Our aim was to evaluate whether RT is a valid treatment option for this disease. We retrospectively analyzed 6 patients who were diagnosed with early-stage non-stomach gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma and received RT. The median age was 66 years (range=38-89 years). The primary tumor originated from the duodenum in 2 patients and from the rectum in 4 patients. The RT dose was 30-34 Gy in 15-20 fractions to the involved site or field, depending on the case. The median follow-up time was 89.5 months (range=6-170). All patients had complete remission within 3 months after RT. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. During the observation period, no patient had a confirmed recurrence. One patient died of causes unrelated to cancer or treatment. There were no late toxicities by RT. Our results show good long-term local control and no late toxicities requiring treatment. Moderate-dose RT was appropriate and well tolerated for early-stage non-stomach gastrointestinal MALT lymphoma.

Association between personality traits and glycemic control after inpatient diabetes education

AimsThe longitudinal effect of personality traits on glycemic control is unclear. This prospective observational study explored the relationship between personality traits and glycemic control in patients with uncontrolled diabetes after inpatient diabetes education. MethodsPatients with diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≥ 7.5%, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography) who received inpatient diabetes education were scored on the Big Five personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Multiple linear analysis was used to determine whether any personality traits were independently associated with HbA1c on admission and HbA1c change from admission to 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. ResultsOne hundred seventeen participants (mean age 60.4 ± 14.5 years; 59.0% male) were enrolled. HbA1c values on admission and 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge were 10.2 ± 2.1%, 8.3 ± 1.4%, 7.6 ± 1.4%, and 7.7 ± 1.5%, respectively. Multiple linear analysis showed that no personality traits were associated with HbA1c on admission. Neuroticism was negatively associated with the HbA1c change from admission to 3 months (β = −0.192, P = 0.025) and 6 months after discharge (β = −0.164, P = 0.043). ConclusionsNeuroticism was associated with good long-term glycemic control after inpatient diabetes education.

Health-related quality of life and clinical outcome after radiotherapy of patients with intracranial meningioma

This retrospective, single-institutional study investigated long-term outcome, toxicity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in meningioma patients after radiotherapy. We analyzed the data of 119 patients who received radiotherapy at our department from 1997 to 2014 for intracranial WHO grade I-III meningioma. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or radiosurgery radiation was applied. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires were completed for assessment of HRQoL. Overall survival (OS) for the entire study group was 89.6% at 5 years and 75.9% at 10 years. Local control (LC) at 5 and 10 years was 82.4% and 73.4%, respectively. Local recurrence was observed in 22 patients (18.5%). Higher grade acute and chronic toxicities were observed in seven patients (5.9%) and five patients (4.2%), respectively. Global health status was rated with a mean of 59.9 points (SD 22.3) on QLQ-C30. In conclusion, radiotherapy resulted in very good long-term survival and tumor control rates with low rates of severe toxicities but with a deterioration of long-term HRQoL.

Non-Melanomatous Skin Cancers of the Head and Neck with Perineural Invasion: A 50-Year Single-Institution Experience

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The aim of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes and practice patterns among patients treated for non-melanomatous skin cancers of the head and neck with microscopic or clinical perineural invasion (PNI) using radiotherapy (RT) at a single institution. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> To determine severe (grade 3+) toxicity and clinical outcomes, we reviewed the medical records of 283 patients who received primary RT or postoperative RT +/- chemotherapy between 1965 and 2019 for non-melanomatous skin cancers of the head and neck with PNI. Modalities included orthovoltage photons, megavoltage photons, and en face electrons with either daily (QD) or twice-daily (BID) fractionation. Field extent of the primary site was either local (2 cm margin), extended (>2 cm margin), or to the base of skull (BOS). <h3>Results</h3> The median age at the start of RT was 64 years old. Overall, 154 patients had microscopic PNI and 129 had clinical PNI. The median BID dose was 74.4 Gy (range, 32 – 79.2 Gy) and the median QD dose was 64 Gy (range, 15 – 79.5 Gy). Field extent was 25% local, 38% extended, and 37% BOS. Nodal involvement was seen in 17% of patients. Elective nodal irradiation was performed in 51% of node-negative patients. For patients with microscopic PNI, the 5- and 10-year rates of local control, local-regional control, disease-free survival, cause-specific survival, and overall survival were 85% and 80%, 78% and 74%, 76% and 72%, 80% and 79%, and 59% and 40%, respectively. For patients with clinical PNI, the 5- and 10-year rates of local control, local-regional control, disease-free survival, cause-specific survival, and overall survival were 59% and 57%, 57% and 55%, 54% and 52%, 68% and 58%, and 54% and 34%, respectively. In those with clinical PNI, T stage was associated with a statistically significant effect on local control and cause-specific survival on multivariable analysis (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). Toxicities of grade 3 or higher occurred at rates of 12% in patients with microscopic PNI and 32% in those with clinical PNI. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Radiation therapy provides good long-term control rates in patients with microscopic PNI and patients with clinical PNI; nevertheless, clinical PNI remains a poor prognostic factor.

Outcome of Whipple's procedure for Groove pancreatitis: A retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundGroove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis primarily affecting the pancreatoduodenal groove. Very few studies have been published from India. The aim of the present study is to report our experience with Whipple's procedure for GP. MethodologyIn this cross-sectional study, data of all patients who underwent Whipple's procedure for GP between August 2007 and July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsOf the total 504 Whipple's procedures, histopathologically proven GP was identified in 9 patients. All of them were male. Mean age at presentation was 42.66 ± 4.35 years. All of them had history of alcohol abuse. Eight (88.8%) of them had history of smoking. Postprandial abdominal discomfort and pain (n = 9, 100%) was the most common presenting symptom. Three (33.3%) patients had solid variety and six (66.6%) patients had cystic dystrophy of the duodenal wall. Two (22.2%) patients had mass in the head of the pancreas which was thought to be malignant. None of the patients underwent prior endoscopic management (stenting). Duration of surgery and blood loss was 330 (range, 300–379) minutes, and 250 (range, 200–750) ml respectively. There was no postoperative mortality. Postoperative complications developed in 5 (55.5%) patients. All the complications were managed conservatively. Median postoperative hospital stay was 10 (range, 9–16) days. Over a median follow-up of 41 (range, 12–120) months, complete remission of symptoms was achieved in 7 (78%) patients. ConclusionWhipple's procedure is safe with acceptable perioperative outcomes and good long-term symptom control.

Non-injection-site soft tissue sarcoma in cats: outcome following adjuvant radiotherapy.

Biological behaviour and treatment options of non-injection-site soft tissue sarcomas (nFISS) in cats are less well understood than in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of cats with nFISS following treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy. The medical records of cats with soft tissue sarcomas in locations not associated with, and histology reports not suggestive of, injection-site sarcomas were reviewed. All cats underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, either hypofractionated (32-36 Gy delivered in weekly 8-9 Gy fractions) or conventionally fractionated (48-54 Gy delivered in 16-18 3 Gy fractions) to microscopic disease. In total, 18 cats were included in the study, 17 with extremity nFISS and one with facial nFISS. Nine received radiotherapy after a single surgery and nine after multiple surgeries for recurrent nFISS. Eight cats were treated with a hypofractionated protocol and 10 with a conventionally fractionated protocol. The median follow-up time was 540 days (range 51-3317 days). The tumour recurred in eight (44.4%) cats following adjuvant radiotherapy; it recurred in three (37.5%) cats following a hypofractionated protocol and in five (50%) cats following a conventionally fractionated protocol. The overall median progression-free interval (PFI) for 17/18 cats was 2748 days, while the median PFI for the 7/8 cats with recurrence was 164 days. The recurrence for one cat was reported, but the date was unknown and it was therefore censored from these data. When stratifying based on the protocol, the median PFI for hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated protocols was 164 days and 2748 days, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two protocols (P = 0.636). Adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in good long-term tumour control in 12/18 cats with nFISS. Further studies in larger populations are required to assess the significance of radiation dose and fractionation on tumour control and the effect of multiple surgeries prior to initiation of radiotherapy on outcome.

Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas with Secondary Cavernous Sinus Invasion: Surgical Results and Algorithm for Treatment at a Single Brazilian Center

Sphenoid wing meningiomas with cavernous sinus invasion (SWMCSI) are challenging tumors. The preservation of quality of life and cranial nerve function is one of the most relevant aspects of treating patients with SWMCSI. A retrospective study was conducted for surgery performed between 2008 and 2021, including 36 patients presenting with SWMCSI. The data from surgical intervention, Simpson grade of resection, tumor location, and morbimortality related to the surgery was reviewed. We examined the medical records, operative reports, radiologic examinations, and follow-up information. The group comprised 29 women and 7 men with an average age of 61 years (range, 31-87 years). The mean follow-up period was 75 months (range, 1-170 months). Simpson grade I and II resections were obtained in 80% of cases. The meningiomas were World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 in 94% of cases, WHO grade 2 in 3%, and WHO grade 3 in 3%. The overall mortality was 5.5%. Permanent cranial nerve deficits occurred in 8% of cases, transient cranial nerve deficits in 22%, cerebrospinal fistula in 16.5%, and hemiparesis in 2.7%. The recurrence/regrowth rate was 14% during the follow-up period. The Karnofsky Performance Status 100 and 90 was 92%. The surgical treatment of symptomatic SWMCSI is an effective treatment modality with low morbimortality and good long-term control of the disease. Visual impairment is the most common abnormality, affecting preoperative and postoperative quality of life of patients with SWMCSI. Training in the microsurgical laboratory is essential for safe surgical approaches in this area.

Abstract OT1-09-01: A randomized study comparing surgical excision versus NeOadjuvant Radiotherapy followed by delayed surgical excision of Ductal carcinoma In Situ (NORDIS)

Abstract Lumpectomy and breast radiotherapy (RT) achieve good longterm control of disease in patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In the combined analysis of NSABP B-17/B-24 DCIS trials, these treatments were shown to reduce invasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences by 52% compared to lumpectomy alone. RT has been consistently used as an adjuvant to surgery and therefore, little is known of its activity on intact/untreated DCIS. Elucidating the effectiveness of radiation therapy may help optimize the treatment of DCIS and avoid over-treatment.Trial Design The objective of the ongoing phase 2 pilot trial is to evaluate the ablative and treatment effects of neoadjuvant RT (neoRT) on DCIS. Patients diagnosed with DCIS on core needle biopsy are randomized to upfront lumpectomy (Arm 1) followed by partial breast irradiation (PBI) or neoRT PBI followed by delayed surgical excision (Arm 2). Arm 1 serves as a reference group for pathological-radiological correlations as well as to ascertain the rate of upstaging to invasive cancer. The neoRT regimen consists of 6 Gy daily x 5 (consecutive or non-consecutive days) to the intact tumor with a 0.5 cm margin. Surgical excision is delayed 12-16 weeks, allowing for the ablative effects of neoRT to occur. Specific Aims •To determine if neoRT can completely ablate 30% of DCIS cases•To determine if DCIS subtypes exhibit differential sensitivity to neoRT•To evaluate microscopic treatment effects; wound complication rates; post-RT breast imaging changes; and invasive carcinoma rate.Eligibility Women 18 years of age or older diagnosed with DCIS by core needle biopsy and intending to receive breast conserving surgery are eligible. Tumors must be ≤4 cm, discovered as mammographic microcalcifications and/or MRI non-mass enhancement measuring with evidence of residual imaging abnormality after diagnostic needle biopsy. Statistics A total of 50 patients will be recruited. Upstaging to invasive cancer is anticipated to be approximately 10%. With 25 subjects in each arm, we will have 80% power to detect a 30% or higher improvement in the DCIS complete response rate following neoadjuvant PBI. Accrual 10 (open 2019) Contact wapnir@stanford.edu. Wapnir IL, Dignam JJ, Fisher B, et al. Long-term outcomes of invasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences after lumpectomy in NSABP B-17 and B-24 randomized clinical trials for DCIS. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011;103(6):478-488. doi:10.1093/jnci/djr027.McCormick B, Winter K, Hudis C, et al. RTOG 9804: a prospective randomized trial for good-risk ductal carcinoma in situ comparing radiotherapy with observation. J Clin Oncol. 2015;33(7):709-715. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.57.9029. Citation Format: Irene Wapnir, Carol Marquez, Kimberly Stone, Kimberly Allison, Wendy DeMartini, Catherine Salem, Jacqueline Tsai, Robert West, Alex McMillan, Melinda Telli, Kathleen Horst. A randomized study comparing surgical excision versus NeOadjuvant Radiotherapy followed by delayed surgical excision of Ductal carcinoma In Situ (NORDIS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-09-01.

Long-term functional outcomes of multiligament knee reconstructions with lateral injuries

IntroductionMultiligament knee injuries are a rare but serious injury, affecting functional prognosis. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and laximetric outcomes of acute or chronic multiligament knee reconstructions, with lateral impairment, using autografts. HypothesisAutograft reconstructions give good long-term clinical and laximetric results. Material and methodA retrospective monocentric consecutive study was conducted in patients who had multiligament knee reconstructions. The criteria for inclusions were cruciate ligament lesions associated with lateral injuries, reconstructed using autografts, regardless of the time to surgery. A minimum follow-up of 5-years was required. Twenty-nine patients were analysed. The average age at surgery was 30.2±13 years. The patients were clinically reviewed at the last follow-up. Differential residual laxity was objectively assessed with comparative dynamic X-rays. Functional IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores were analyzed. ResultsThe average follow-up was 7.5±1.7 years. The lesions were divided into 12 KD-I, 16 KD-IIIL and 1 KD-IV, including 16 acute lesions (time to surgery <30-day) and 13 chronic lesions. At the last follow-up, the objective IKDC identified: 3 stage A, 15 stage B and 11 stage C. The average scores were: subjective IKDC 70.1±16, Lysholm 76.8±14 and KOOS: pain 71.6±20, symptoms 83.6±22, activity 90.6±20, sport 58.8±23, quality of life 60.0±30. Dynamic X-rays showed an average differential laxity of 2.8±2.6mm anteriorly, 5.0±2.2mm posteriorly, and 2.0±2.5mm in varus. Four cases required surgery: 3 arthrolysis procedures for stiffness and 1 joint lavage for sepsis. DiscussionWith an average follow-up of 7.5 years, multiligament knee reconstructions using autografts with lateral involvement provide good long-term control of frontal and sagittal laxities. A comparison with allograft reconstructions is necessary to be able to potentially overcome the morbidity associated to donor sites. Level of evidenceIV; monocentric retrospective descriptive study.

Short-term Intensive Insulin Therapy Induces Long-term Good Control of Blood Glucose in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Short-term Intensive Insulin Therapy Induces Long-term Good Control of Blood Glucose in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

What are the factors associated with long-term glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated glycated haemoglobin (≥7.0%) at initiation of second-line therapy? Results from the DISCOVER study.

Glycaemic control is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. We assessed factors associated with good long-term glycaemic control in patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0% at initiation of second-line glucose-lowering therapy, using data from DISCOVER, a global, prospective, 3-year observational study of patients with T2D. This analysis included patients with HbA1c ≥7.0% at baseline (initiation of second-line therapy). Multivariable regression models assessed factors associated with having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years in two distinct groups: patients with (a) HbA1c ≥7.0% and <9.0%, and (b) HbA1c ≥9.0% at baseline. In total, 7575 patients with baseline HbA1c ≥7.0% were included (2233 with baseline HbA1c ≥9.0%). At 6 months, 43.7% and 24.2% of patients had an HbA1c level <7.0% in groups a and b, respectively; the corresponding proportions at 3 years were 45.8% and 29.3%. Having HbA1c <7.0% at 6 months (vs. ≥7.0%) was the strongest predictor of having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years in both group a and group b [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.01 (1.77-2.27) and 2.68 (2.10-3.41), respectively]. Longer T2D duration was associated with a decreased likelihood of having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years. In patients with poor glycaemic control at initiation of second-line therapy, early attainment of HbA1c <7.0% appears predictive of long-term glycaemic control, suggesting that timely modification of treatment strategies in patients with elevated HbA1c after 6 months is important to minimize therapeutic inertia.

Primary congenital glaucoma surgery: outcomes and visual function

PurposeTo assess the long-term visual outcomes of children with PCG, irrespective of the type of surgical procedure, and to create visual acuity curves to help in predicting the development of visual function in these patients. The secondary aim is to identify associated factors for visual decline or loss, highlighting differences between neonatal and infantile subgroups.MethodsThe medical records of pediatric glaucoma patients from 1996 to 2017 at the University Hospital of Verona (Verona, Italy) were retrospectively reviewed. Visual acuities, surgeries, PCG subtype and etiology of vision impairment were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to detect factors associated with vision decline.ResultsSixty-seven eyes (40 patients) were included in the study. Developmental predictive curves of visual acuity showed that children with infantile PCG had a better visual outcome than children with neonatal PCG at each step of follow-up. A good-to-moderate VA (< 1 LogMAR) was achieved in 56 eyes (83.6%), while 11 eyes (16.4%) had poor VA (≥ 1 LogMAR). The age at onset, sex, number of surgeries, intraocular pressure (IOP) control (with or without antiglaucoma drugs), axial length (AL) and corneal opacities were statistically associated with vision impairment (p < 0.01). The main cause of visual impairment was amblyopia.ConclusionsVisual outcomes of PCG significantly correlate with the age at diagnosis. Although a good long-term IOP control can often be achieved in PCG, often the visual acuity remains below the lower limits of the normal range. Poor vision in childhood is related to global developmental problems, and referral to third-level services should not be delayed to prevent vision impairment. In this regard, visual acuity curves can be a useful tool for the consultant ophthalmologist to define the visual development of children affected by PCG.

Patient reported toxicity and quality of life after hypofractionated high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy for intermediate- and high risk prostate cancer

Background and purposeFor irradiation of localized prostate-cancer, moderately-hypofractionated regimens with a variety of dose per fraction are used. We adopted a regimen of 70 Gy in 28 fractions of 2.5 Gy, using state of the art radiotherapy (RT) and closely monitored the efficacy, toxicity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large cohort, using patient-reported outcomes. Materials and methodsBetween 2008 and 2016, 462 patients with intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer were treated with RT, 28 fractions of 2.5 Gy, using IMRT/VMAT, an online fiducial-maker based correction protocol and a daily inserted endorectal balloon. Overall freedom from failure (no biochemical or clinical recurrence) , as well as self-reported genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) related toxicity and HRQoL are reported. ResultsOverall freedom from failure rates at 3 and 5 years were 92.0% (89.1–94.9%) and 83.5% (78.6–88.4%), respectively. Prevalence rates of grade ≥ 2 GU/GI-toxicity were 16.3%/6.3% and 22,1%/3.2% after 3 and 5 years respectively. The 5-year actuarial incidences of grade ≥ 2 GU/GI-toxicity were 43.5%/18.5%. HRQoL worsened during RT and gradually recovered thereafter, In accordance with the prevalence rates. ConclusionTreatment of intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer with RT to 70 Gy in 28 fractions with IMRT/VMAT, using fiducial markers and an endorectal balloon leads to good long-term tumor control rates and acceptable patient reported toxicity rates. Furthermore, patient-reported outcomes, including HRQoL, are essential for a good comparison between different studies. Finally, prevalence rates show a better correlation with HRQoL than actuarial incidence rates do and might therefore better represent the burden of toxicity.