High Percentage Of Patients Research Articles

Managing High Anisometropia with Blended Refractive Surgery: A Comparative Study on Patient Outcomes

Purpose: To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and satisfaction results after blended refractive surgery with one eye Lasik laser/ PRK and another eye ICL. Patients and Methods: A Quality of life and Patient reported spectacle independence (PRISQ) questionnaire was administered to patients who had undergone blended Refractive surgery at 2 months of follow-up. Results: Overall PROs and satisfaction was similar among all the groups. Refractive outcome and accuracy were similar among the groups, Refractive outcome differences were not meaningful among the groups and were not a differentiating factor in PROs. Substantially fewer patients in the third group noticed glare and halo compared with the 3.0/3.0 group (P<0.0001. chi-square test). No new safety concerns were reported. Conclusion: The choice of blended refractive surgery resulted in a higher percentage of patients who were deemed unfit for LVC being satisfied with Near, intermediate, and distance vision, overall the fewer PRO differences were not statistically significant.

Prognostic Significance of PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in NSCLC Patients Treated with Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitors

Even though anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have improved survival, a high percentage of patients still do not respond to ICIs. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are circulating cells that express PD-L1 and can infiltrate and proliferate in the tumor microenvironment, inducing immunosuppression. By evaluating changes in PD-L1 expression of live peripheral blood MDSCs, we are able to define a new PD-L1 index, useful in predicting ICI escape in NSCLC patients before initiating anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. In this study, a cohort of 37 NSCLC patients was prospectively analyzed, obtaining independent PD-L1 indexes. In patients with a PD-L1 index > 5.88, progressive disease occurred in 58.33% of patients [median progression-free survival (PFS) = 5.73 months; 95%CI = 2.67–20.53], showing significant differences when compared with patients with a PD-L1 index ≤ 5.88, in whom 7.69% progressed and median PFS was not reached (NR); p-value = 0.0042. Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in patients with a high vs. low PD-L1 index (41.67% vs. 76.92%; median OS = 18.03 months, 95%CI = 6.77–25.23 vs. NR, 95%CI = 1.87-NR; p-value = 0.035). The PD-L1 index can be applied to stratify NSCLC patients according to their probability of response to ICIs at baseline. In addition to quantifying tumoral expression, this index could be used to compare nonresponse to treatment.

Abstract 4119189: Imaging practices prior to cardioversion in patients presenting post percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion.

Background: Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) carries a risk for stroke in AF patients, for that reason there are guidelines for mitigating this risk in AF patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC). Meanwhile, no consensus on the best approach for cardioverting patients with an appendage occlusion device in situ. This led to a very wide variation in pre and post DCCV practices in these patients. Aims: We aim to explore different factors that might be associated with the variation seen in pre-DCCV imaging practices in patients presenting post- percutaneous LAAO. Methods: This was a multi-center retrospective cohort study of patients who received DCCV for AF or AFL during follow up after LAAO procedure within a single healthcare system from 2016-2024. Results: A total of 119 patients were included, there were more females 70 (59%), with more than half (64 (54%)) receiving a first-generation WATCHMAN™ 2.5, while the rest had WATCHMAN FLX™. Median age at presentation was 77 years (72,82), BMI of 31 kg/m 2 (26,37), average CHADSVASC score of 4.5 and HASBLED score of 3. A median duration of 10 months (3,21) between LAAO to presentation for DCCV . Forty-four (37%) patients had pre-DCCV imaging (imaging cohort). Number of males was significantly higher in the imaging cohort (24 (54.5%) vs 25 (33.3%), p=0.038), compared to those without imaging. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) between the two cohorts in the location (center) where DCCV was done. The site with the highest number of pre-DCCV imaging cases had an equal gender ratio of patients presenting for DCCV. Patients who received imaging presented earlier (11.2 months vs 15.8 months, p=0.068) compared to those without imaging, though the difference was not significant. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in OAC (VKA-antagonist/DOAC) usage prior to presentation (8 (18.6%) vs 12 (16.4%), P=0.9). There was no significant difference in baseline CHADSVASC score, HASBLED score, age, LVEF. Higher percentage of patients were discharged on OAC post DCCV in the imaging arm (13 (30.2%) vs 14 (19.4%), p=0.27), but the difference was non-significant. No Device related thrombus nor significant PDL was detected on imaging. Conclusion: There was male preference in providing pre-DCCV imaging for ruling out DRT. Location of care was also associated with the variation in pre-DCCV protocols. Additional research is needed to understand other factors associated with variation seen in pre-DCCV practices.

Abstract 4115139: The Clinic Ottakring – Lipid Registry: a Contemporary Single-Center Real-World Analysis from a Tertiary Hospital

In the real world only about 20 % of patients with ASCVD are at the target range, as shown by the SANTORINI trial (1). Therefore, there is still a great need for the improvement of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Our Lipid Registry was set up as a retrospective study including patients who visited our outpatients ward focusing on lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). The indications were: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) > 130 mg/dL in LLT- naive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery disease (CAD) not on optimal LLT, familial hypercholesterolemia and LLT intolerance. We collected baseline characteristics as well as laboratory parameters of these patients during their visits. The dual LLT (high-potency statin and ezetimibe) was initiated in every patient during the hospitalization, if not contraindicated, as target variable we used non-HDL-C. In total 181 patients were included, of which 136 (75.1%) patients visited our clinic for control purposes. Patients who didn’t visit the clinic were predominantly men and had no or few pre-experiences with LLT. Fourty-one (36.9%) patients had a BMI>30, 126 (92.6%) of patients had CAD of which 85 (63%) had the diagnosis of a recent ACS. Arterial hypertension was present in 78.7% and diabetes mellitus type 2 in 23.5% of cases. At the 1 st visit to our LLT department 4-6 weeks after dismission from the hospital, 86 patients (61.9%) reached the recommended (ESC/EAS 2019) non-HDL-C goal. At the 2 nd visit (8-12 weeks after index hospitalization), 117 patients (86.2%) and at the 3 rd visit 120 patients (88.2%) reached their target. The analysis of patients initially presenting with ACS showed that 60 (69.8%) of them after 4-6 weeks and 77 (90.6%) patients after 8-12 weeks reached the recommended non-HDL-c goal. Among the study population 108 (79.4%) of patients, and 81 (95.3%) of ACS patients received dual LLT immediately during the index event. After the first visit, 31 (36.5%) of ACS patients needed the addition of the third lipid-lowering drug to achieve the recommended goal (see attached tables). Our strategy for managing hyperlipidemia in patients with a very-high cardiovascular risk showed high achievement of the non-HDL-C goal as recommended by the recent ESC guidelines in contrast to real-world data. We were able to demonstrate, that the strategy based on the idea to treat high-CV risk patients early and strong is the way to reach the treatment goal in a high percentage of patients (2).

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor reduced recurrence in operable NSCLC patients with pathological complete response: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate if neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) plus chemotherapy (CT) reduced tumor recurrence after surgery than neoadjuvant CT alone in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with pathologic complete response (pCR).MethodsFrom January 1st 2019 to April 30th 2022, 16 NSCLC patients with pCR who received both neoadjuvant ICI and CT were designated as ICI/CT group. Another 8 patients, who received neoadjuvant CT alone, were designated as CT group. The tumor recurrence and patients’ survival status were analyzed.ResultsSquamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histology type in both groups. The CT group had higher percentage of patients who received adjuvant CT than the ICI/CT group (100% vs. 75%, p = 0.046). All patients had been followed up for at least 20 months. At 20 months after surgery, the ICI/CT group had a tumor recurrence rate of 6.25%, which was significantly lower than 37.5% recurrence rate of the CT group. One patient of the CT group died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and severe anemia at 11 months after surgery, and no patient in the ICI/CT group died. During adjuvant therapy, the ICI/CT group had significantly lower risk of anemia (12.5% vs. 50%) than the CT group (p = 0.046).ConclusionThe study found that in NSCLC patients with pCR, neoadjuvant ICI reduced tumor recurrence rate. This indicated that like in advanced stage NSCLC, the ICI might bring similar long-term anti-tumor effect in operable NSCLC patients.

Acute renal failure in patients with infective endocarditis

Abstract Background/Introduction Acute kidney failure (AKF) appears in a high percentage of patients with infective endocarditis (IE), becoming a complication related to the mortality of the disease and delayed recovery of patients. Purpose To investigate the factors that are related to the development of AKF in patients with IE. Methods Study of all cases of IE consecutively diagnosed in an university hospital between 2005 and 2021. A disease extension protocol was carried out using imaging tests and the levels of potentially nephrotoxic antibiotics were monitored. Furthermore, starting in 2010, a multidisciplinary committee (MC) was created to follow patients with EI. Factors potentially related to the development of AKF during hospital admission according to RIFLE criteria were analyzed using a binary logistic regression analysis. Results 305 cases were included, 96.7% of them meeting definitive IE criteria. The median age was 66 (54-74.5) years, 75.4% male. The most frequent microorganism was S. aureus (66; 21.6%), 172 (56.4%) underwent surgery and 107 patients (35.1%) died. 149 cases (45.3%) developed AKF, with no differences before (45.3%) and after the creation of the CM. The variables related in the multivariate analysis to the appearance of AKF were age (OR 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05; p= 0.006), baseline creatinine (OR= 1.53; 95% CI = 1.22-1.68; p<0.001). ), peripheral embolism (OR=1.86; 95% CI = 1.07-3.22; p= 0.027), the development of heart failure (OR=1.98; 95% CI = 1.12-3.22; p= 0.017) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (OR= 4.02; 95% CI = 1.09-14.85; p= 0.037). None of the other variables analyzed, including the type of microorganism and the use of nephrotoxic antibiotics, were related to the development of AKF. Conclusions In a hospital center with a protocol for the study and treatment of infective endocarditis, the development of AKF is related to age, baseline creatinine, peripheral embolism, and the development of heart failure.

Cardiovascular risk factors in poly-vascular vs isolated lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. analysis from the SOLACI peripheral registry

Abstract Introduction Atherosclerotic disease in more than one vascular bed (Polyvascular disease), is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic events and has worse clinical outcomes than those with disease in a single territory. Aims The objective of the present interim analysis is to describe the differences in cardiovascular risk factors and clinical presentation between patients with isolated infra-aortic peripheral artery disease (lower limb: "LL-PAD") and patients with Polyvascular Disease ("PD": simultaneuous coexistence of LL-PAD and affection of at least one more vascular bed) from a cohort of patients undergoing LL endovascular procedures in Latinamerica. Methods Our cohort included patients from The SOLACI Peripheral Registry from March 2021 to February 2024 (a prospective, multi-center, observational, and hospital-based registry of patients with LL- PAD, treated with endovascular interventions across 10 Latin American countries, 42 centers). Patients were considered to have PD if besides LL-PAD, they had a documented history of previous myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularization, cerebrovascular, aortic, and/or carotid artery disease. Results A total of 1438 patients were included in the analysis. PD was present in 506 patients(35.1%), of which 225(44.5%) had previous MI; 296(58.5%) previous coronary revascularization;265(52.4%) had aortic and / or carotid disease; and 121(23.9%) had cerebrovascular disease. Patients with PD were older than those with LL-PAD(70.5±9.76 vs 68.6±10.7). PD was more prevalent in men(69.6% vs 62.4%), former smokers(48.2% vs 32.8%), hypertension(92.1% vs 80.5%) and patients with dyslipidemia(75.3% vs 64%). The distribution of treated lesions in the PD group was: 15.4% ilio-femoral; 34 % femoropopliteal; 23.3% infrapopliteal; and 24% had multiple peripheral territories affected and treated at the same time-point. In the LL-PAD group, the distribution of treated lesions was: 12.5% ilio-femoral; 28.6% femoropopliteal; 31.5% infrapopliteal; and 24.8% had multiple peripheral territories affected simultaneously and treated during the same procedure. In general, the lesions were shorter in the PD group: ilio-femoral(53.5±29.2 vs 66.7±48.2mm); femoropopliteal(119±73.6 vs 122±81.7mm); and infrapopliteal(129±83.1 vs 147±93.1mm). In the PD group, a higher percentage of patients were treated with statins and antithrombotic agents: statins (87.5% vs 70.8%), aspirin (91.5% vs 81.1%), clopidogrel (60.9% vs 40.1%), and oral anticoagulants (13.8% vs 6.5%). The use of rivaroxaban was similar in both groups (3.4% vs 3.9%). The PD group had higher intrahospital complication rates: intrahospital death (2.2% vs 0.8%), cardiovascular intrahospital death (1.2% vs 0.4%), MI (0.8% vs 0.1%), stroke (0.4% vs 0%) and bleeding (0.8% vs 0.9%). Conclusions Patients with PD represent a very high-risk population. Systematic screening of multiple vascular beds in patients with LL-PAD may be warranted to prevent worse outcomes.

Presence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a poor prognostic marker in patients with Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB)

Abstract Background Observational data indicate that between 20-30% of patients with HFrEF have LBBB. While numerous independent variables are implicated in the overall prognosis of these patients, this group of patients respond poorly to medical therapy. Presence of AF further impairs the functioning of the left ventricle by several mechanisms e.g., left atrial dilatation, decreased left ventricular filling, irregular cycle length, functional mitral regurgitation etc. Literature is sparse on the cumulative effect of AF in this group of patients. Purpose To assess the effect of AF on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and mortality in patients presenting with HFrEF and LBBB Methods Single centre, retrospective, observational study over 33 months (Jan 2021 – Sept 2023). Patients with HFrEF and LBBB (as defined by the European Society of Cardiology, 2021) identified from the heart failure database. Results (Table) N=80 Whole cohort: age 74.8 +/- 13.6 years (median:79, range 39-96); 57/80 (67.5%) males. Hypertension [41/80 (51.3%)] was most common comorbidity. Majority were on 3 drugs (23/80, 28.8%) of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) with ~1 in 4 patients [19/80 (23.8%)] on all 4 drugs. 32/80 (40.0%) were in AF, remainder in sinus rhythm (SR). Mean baseline LVEF: 21.8 +/- 8.4. Mean LVEF continued to be ≤35% (paired echocardiograms available in 50.0% patients) inspite of GDMT. The QRS duration continued to prolong on follow-up. Patients in AF were statistically significantly older, were less often on all 4 GDMT drugs (particularly sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors - SGLT2i’s), and were less likely to survive than those in SR. No difference in comorbid conditions or QRS prolongation on follow-up were seen between patients with AF versus SR. There was trend towards a larger increase in mean LVEF in patients with SR than AF. Conclusions In our experience, patients with HFrEF and LBBB continue to have a high mortality (45.0% at ~ 3 years) inspite of GDMT. AF is seen in a high percentage of patients (40.0%) in this cohort, worsening the prognosis further, with mortality nearly 3 times higher than those in SR. Aggressive management of patients with HFrEF and LBBB with, where indicated, early cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) and more so, of those with AF (with +/- atrioventricular node ablation or left atrial ablation) should be considered at an early stage after diagnosis.Table

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of FFX Facet Cages Compared With Pedicle Screw Fixation in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Long-Term Study.

Hybrid retrospective/prospective study. The study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX facet cage versus pedicle screw (PS) fixation in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). A previous single-arm study reported on the safety, fusion rate, and patient outcomes associated with the use of the FFX facet cage in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. There are no long-term studies reporting outcomes with this device compared with the use of pedicle screw fixation. Following a medical records review, subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were consented to and enrolled in the prospective arm of the study. CT scans and dynamic X-rays were performed to assess fusion rates, range of motion, and translation. Adverse events during the 2-year post-index procedure were also analyzed. Preoperative and 2+ year Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) back and leg scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were also obtained. A total of 112 subjects were enrolled with 56 patients included in the PS and FFX groups. Mean age was 63.1±11.2 and 67.1±10.9 years and the mean number of levels operated was 1.8±0.8 and 2.3±1.0, respectively, for the PS and FFX groups. There was no difference between the 2 groups for the primary composite fusion endpoint assessed with the FFX group achieving a 91% bony facet fusion rate. There was also no difference in postoperative complications or adverse events during the 2-year follow-up period. A higher percentage of patients in the PS group (10.7%) required reoperation compared with the FFX group (3.6%). Although both groups experienced significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores versus preoperative assessment, there was no difference between the 2 groups. The present study documents the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX device in patients with LSS with a reduction in reoperation rate when compared with PS fixation. Level III.

A Real-World Longitudinal Study in Non-Functioning Pituitary Incidentalomas: A PRECES Micro-Adenomas Sub-Analysis.

Background. Incidentalomas have an increasing incidence all over the world due to a larger access to imaging assessments, and endocrine incidentalomas make no exception in this matter, including pituitary incidentalomas (PIs). Objective. Our objective was to analyse the dynamic changes amid a second computed tomography (CT) scan after adult patients were initially confirmed with a PI (non-functioning micro-adenoma). Methods. This was a multi-centric, longitudinal, retrospective study in adults (aged between 20 and 70 y) amid real-world data collection. We excluded patients who experienced baseline pituitary hormonal excess or deficiency or those with tumours larger than 1 cm. Results. A total of 117 adults were included (94.02% females) with a mean age of 43.86 ± 11.99 years, followed between 6 and 156 months with a median (M) of 40 months (Q1 Q3: 13.50, 72.00). At the time of PI diagnosis, the transverse diameter had a mean value of 0.53 ± 0.16 cm, the longitudinal mean diameter was 0.41 ± 0.13 cm, and the largest diameter was 0.55 ± 0.16 cm. No PI became functioning during follow-up, neither associated hypopituitarism nor increased >1 cm diameter. A total of 46/117 (39.32%) patients had a larger diameter during follow-up (increase group = IG) versus a non-increase group (non-IG; N = 71, 60.68%) that included the subjects with stationary or decreased diameters. IG had lower initial transverse, longitudinal, and largest diameter versus non-IG: 0.45 ± 0.12 versus 0.57 ± 0.17 (p < 0.0001), 0.36 ± 0.11 versus 0.43 ± 0.13 (p = 0.004), respectively, 0.46 ± 0.12 versus 0.6 ± 0.16 (p < 0.0001). IG versus non-IG had a larger period of surveillance: M (Q1, Q3) of 48 (24, 84) versus 32.5 (12, 72) months (p = 0.045) and showed similar age, pituitary hormone profile, and tumour lateralisation at baseline and displayed a median diameter change of +0.14 cm versus -0.03 cm (p < 0.0001). To conclude, a rather high percent of patients might experience PI diameter increase during a longer period of follow-up, including those with a smaller initial size, while the age at diagnosis does not predict the tumour growth. This might help practitioners with further long-term surveillance protocols.

Inequalities in colon cancer treatment in Uruguay: Does age have a say?

125 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men and women in Uruguay. Survival from CRC is known to be worse in those aged 65 years and older, despite more than 70% of cases occurring in this age group. It has been said that elderly cancer patients are often under-treated compared to younger ones, and that this unequal access to treatment in practice, despite universal access in theory, accounts for at least some of the reported survival difference. A better understanding of age-related inequalities in treatment would help to inform interventions to improve cancer control, therefore a retrospective study was undertaken to investigate if there are age-related inequalities in CRC care in Uruguay. Methods: Data on age, sex, tumor site and stage and treatments received (cancer-directed surgery and chemotherapy) were obtained for 1372 patients diagnosed with CRC. Likelihood of receipt of 1) cancer-directed surgery, 2) chemotherapy in surgical patients, 3) chemotherapy in non-surgical patients by age, adjusting for sex, cancer stage, was examined. Results: More than two-thirds (67%) of our population were aged 60 years or older at diagnosis and a slightly higher proportion were men (53%). Seventy six percent received cancer directed surgery, either in a curative or palliative intent. When analyzing patients with stage I-III cancers, 81% of patients received curative intent surgery. Those in the oldest age group (80+ years) were significantly less likely to be operated than those in the &lt;60 years age group (p 0.002) specially if the tumor was in the sub peritoneal rectum. In relation to receipt of chemotherapy in surgical patients, similar age patterns were observed, although in a much more extreme manner (p &lt;0.001). Increasing age was also strongly associated with reduced likelihood of receiving systemic therapy, with a higher percentage of patients &lt;60 years old receiving at least palliative chemotherapy in comparison to the 80+ year age group (p &lt;0,001). No differences in relation to gender or tumour location were observed. Conclusions: Age remains a major factor in treatment decisions. Research is needed both to identify the most effective treatment for colon cancer in older populations and to understand clinicians’ decision-making processes to ensure equitable access.

Optimizing workflow for OncotypeDx result turnaround time from surgery to report at safety net hospital.

317 Background: OncotypeDx test has been widely used for breast cancers patients with early-stage (I-IIIa), hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative disease. It predicts the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy. Delivering OncotypeDx results in a timely manner is important to inform treatment decisions. As a quality improvement project, we implemented a strategy to reduce the Turn Around Time (TAT) from breast surgery to OncotypeDx report at Bellevue Cancer Center, the tertiary referral center of the NYC Health and Hospitals System. Methods: The primary measure was TAT from surgery to receiving OncotoypeDx result in electronic medical record (EMR). We compared TAT before and after implementation of the strategy. The historical control was from 5/2021 through 3/2022, while the group after strategy implementation was from 6/2023 to 1/2024. The strategy revolved around streamlining the identification of eligible patients by collaborating with the breast surgery team, creating and utilizing a smart phrase in the EMR. It also involved ordering OncotypeDx by closely communicating with the pathology department, obtaining insurance approval by working with the OncotypeDx vendor, and tracking OncotypeDx results. The above process was done by a breast surgery provider that offered real time updates in the EMR. Results: The patient groups were similar both before and after implementing the strategy, including patient number (26 and 27 respectively) and patient mean age (61 and 59). The majority of both groups were minority patients (77% and 81%). We found that a higher percentage of patients were from Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P) in the group after strategy implementation (35% and 56%). Our strategy reduced the average TAT from 56 days to 30 days. Conclusions: We developed a strategy to optimize the OncotypeDx workflow in a large safety net health system despite an increase in patients from MUA/P. Initiating ordering of OncotypeDx by breast surgery along with communication with pathology and the vendor significantly reduced TAT. EMR integration with OncotypeDx vendor would be the next step to further improve the process. Before Strategy Implementation (n=26) After Strategy Implementation (n=27) Patient Mean Age 61 59 Race (%) White 27 18.5 Hispanic 39 44.4 Black 7 25.9 Asian 23 11.1 Other 4 0 Ethnicity (%) Hispanic 39 44.4 Non-Hispanic 61 55.6 Underserved Area and Population (%) 35 56 Health Professional Shortage Area (%) 50 59 Non-English Speaking (%) 50 40.7

Means to an end: Characteristics and follow-up of emergency department patients with a history of suicide attempt via medication overdose.

Availability and accessibility of a wide range of medications may be a contributing factor to rising medication-related overdose (OD) rates. Treatment for both suicide attempts (SAs) and ODs often occurs in the emergency department (ED), highlighting its potential as a screening and intervention point. The current study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who reported SA via medication OD compared to other methods and to examine how these patients' suicide severity and behaviors differed over 12-month post-ED follow-up. Data were analyzed from Phases 1 and 2 of the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation multicenter study (N = 1376). Participants with a history of SA (n = 987) were categorized based on whether they indicated a past medication-related SA via OD. Of participants with history of SA, 62.7% (n = 619) reported medication OD for either their most serious or their most recent SA. Multivariate analyses indicated female birth sex, diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and having some college education were significantly associated with membership in the medication OD attempt group (p <0.05). Of those who attempted suicide over the 12-month follow-up, nearly 60% of participants in the medication OD attempt group reported a subsequent SA via OD over follow-up. However, nearly half (46.5%) of participants with no medication OD at baseline also reported medication OD at follow-up. Among patients presenting to the ED, females, individuals with bipolar disorder, and patients with a college education, respectively, may be at highest risk for SAs via medication OD. Prospectively, medication OD appears to be a frequent method, even among individuals with no prior attempt via OD, as demonstrated by the high percentage of patients who did not have a medication OD at baseline, but reported a medication OD during follow-up.

Mainstream Germline Genetic Testing with Expanded Eligibility for Early Breast Cancer Patients in a Large Integrated Health System.

This study evaluated a new mainstream genetic testing pathway for hereditary cancer, with expanded eligibility for early-stage breast cancer patients. The study compared multigene panel (62 genes) germline testing uptake and results for breast cancer patients at 4 pilot sites (n = 502 patients) and 10 non-pilot sites (n = 1792 patients) within Kaiser Permanente Northern California from December 2020, to June 2021. At the pilot sites, breast care coordinators (BCCs) offered and consented patients for testing, with eligibility expanded to include all patients age 65 years or younger. At the non-pilot sites, eligible patients were referred to genetics for pre-test counseling, ordering, and follow-up evaluation with the standard guideline that included all patients age 45 years or younger. Demographic and disease characteristics were similar at the pilot and non-pilot sites. At the pilot verses non-pilot sites, a higher percentage of patients was tested overall (61.6% vs 31.7%) and across all age groups. The median time from breast biopsy to test result also was reduced (22 vs 33 days, respectively). A higher percentage of patients at the pilot sites was identified as having a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant (PV/LPV) in a breast cancer-related gene (3.6% vs 1.6%). Although the percentage of total patients tested was nearly twofold higher at the pilot sites than at the non-pilot sites, the percentage of total patients seen by genetics was estimated to be similar (33.7% vs 31.7%). Mainstream genetic testing of breast cancer patients facilitated by BCCs makes it feasible for a large health care system to expand germline genetic testing to early breast cancer patients age 65 years or younger.

Comparison of Externally Transferred and Self-Recruited Patients with Hip and Knee Revision Arthroplasty at a Certified Maximum-Care Arthroplasty Center (ACmax).

According to the guidelines of the EndoCert initiative, certified maximum-care arthroplasty centers (ACmax) are obliged to admit patients from certified arthroplasty centers (AC) if these patients need to be transferred to the more specialized ACmax due to difficult replacement and revision procedures as well as after complications in primary care that are beyond the expertise of the smaller centers. This study investigated whether the cohort of transferred patients differed from the patients directly recruited at the ACmax for factors such as severity of diagnosis, comorbidities or outcome. The aim was to determine whether transferred patients increased the resource requirements for the ACmax. A total of 136 patients were included in the retrospective study and analyzed in terms of case severity, length of hospital stays (LOS), Diagnosis-Related Group charges, readmission rate and concomitant diseases. All patients were followed for up to 12 months after the initial hospital stay. There were significant differences between the groups of transferred and self-recruited patients. For example, transferred patients had a higher Patient Clinical Complexity Level (PCCL). Similarly, the increased Case Mix Index (CMI) of transferred patients indicated more intensive care during the inpatient stay. The higher values for the comorbidity indices also supported these results. This had an impact on the LOS and overall costs, too. The differences between the groups were also reflected by adverse events during the one-year follow-up. The higher percentage of patients with septic revisions, whose treatment is especially demanding, among transferred patients aggravated the differences even further. Thus, transferred patients were associated with increased resource requirements for the ACmax. While it serves patients' safety to transfer them to an ACmax with specialized expertise and greater structural quality, the care of transferred patients ties up considerable resources at the ACmax that might only be insufficiently reimbursed by the generalized tariffs.

Clustering of restorative sleep and lifestyle habits in Japanese male working population

Non-restorative sleep (NRS) affects not only individuals’ health, but also company productivity, highlighting the importance of measures in the workplace to improve sleep. This study aimed to examine the clustering of the presence of restorative sleep (RS) and lifestyle habits in a Japanese working population and to explore the characteristics of these clusters. The subjects were 58,150 Japanese working men aged 40−59 years who underwent health check-ups across the country from April 2015 to March 2016. Data for the presence of RS, the frequency and amount of drinking, smoking/exercise habits, and body mass index obtained from health check-ups were clustered with latent class analysis. In addition, the characteristics of each cluster were examined from the perspectives of lifestyle-related disease-associated blood test results obtained from health check-ups and the status of medical treatment at medical institutions as determined from medical claims data. Consequently, RS and lifestyle habits were found to form five clusters. The “NRS, no exercise, drinkers” cluster showed the highest probability of not achieving RS. An “Obese, occasional binge drinkers” cluster with a higher percentage of patients with sleep-apnea syndrome and a “Nondrinkers” cluster with proportions of those taking sleeping pills/anxiolytics and antidepressants/antipsychotics were observed. Furthermore, the “Daily smokers and drinkers” and “RS and drinkers” clusters showed a relatively high probability of achieving RS. These findings suggest that some individuals may not be aware of the sleep disorders caused by their drinking and smoking habits. Measures to improve sleep must be tailored to the characteristics of each cluster.

Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Resectable Gastric Cancer

BackgroundIn Western countries, the current standard of care for resectable gastric cancer is perioperative chemotherapy. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy has been considered, but data are limited regarding this treatment as compared with perioperative chemotherapy alone.MethodsWe conducted an international, phase 3 trial in which patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction were randomly assigned to receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy plus perioperative chemotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy alone (control). In both groups, patients received either epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil or fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel both before and after surgery; the preoperative-chemoradiotherapy group also received chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions of radiation, plus fluorouracil infusion). The primary end point was overall survival, and secondary end points included progression-free survival, pathological complete response, toxic effects, and quality of life.ResultsA total of 574 patients underwent randomization at 70 sites in Australasia, Canada, and Europe: 286 to the preoperative-chemoradiotherapy group and 288 to the perioperative-chemotherapy group. A higher percentage of patients in the preoperative-chemoradiotherapy group than in the perioperative-chemotherapy group had a pathological complete response (17% vs. 8%) and greater tumor downstaging after resection. At a median follow-up of 67 months, no significant between-group differences in overall survival or progression-free survival were noted. The median overall survival was 46 months with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and 49 months with perioperative chemotherapy (hazard ratio for death, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.31), and the median progression-free survival was 31 months and 32 months, respectively. Treatment-related toxic effects were similar in the two groups.ConclusionsThe addition of preoperative chemoradiotherapy to perioperative chemotherapy did not improve overall survival as compared with perioperative chemotherapy alone among patients with resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and others; TOPGEAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01924819.)

Clinical characteristics analysis of persistent airflow limitation in asthmatic children

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of asthmatic children with persistent airflow limitation (PAL) in order to improve understanding of PAL and improve asthma management. Methods: The clinic data of asthmatic children aged 6 to 18 years with and without PAL, who visited the Department of Allergy at Children's Hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics between January 2021 and June 2023, were analyzed retrospectively. The study included a total of 197 patients (153 males and 44 females), with a median age of 9.0 (7.0, 12.0) years. The analysis encompassed demographic features, disease-related factors, laboratory tests, and spirometry parameters. Quantitative data differences between the two groups were assessed using the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Qualitative data comparisons were made using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: This study included 100 non-PAL and 97 PAL patients. The female-to-male ratio in the two groups was 27/73 and 17/80, respectively. Age and BMI were 11.0 (10.0, 13.0) years and 20.3 (17.7, 24.1) kg/m2 in the PAL group, which was significantly higher than in the non-PAL group (P<0.001). Among the PAL group, 49.5% fell within the 9-12 age group. The PAL group had a higher percentage of patients with an asthma duration of more than 3 years (89.7% vs. 62.0%, P<0.001) and a history of pneumonia (13.4% vs. 4.0%, P=0.036) compared to the non-PAL group. Regarding laboratory tests, a higher percentage of patients in the PAL group had an elevated FeNO level (60.9% vs. 37.6%, P=0.002) and animal sensitization (50.7% vs. 30.7%, P=0.022) compared to the non-PAL group. Of the 69 patients who underwent spirometry before and after PAL development, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC, and MMEF%pred values gradually decreased, with a significant decline in the year preceding PAL development. Conclusions: Asthmatic children with PAL had characteristics such as relatively older age, higher BMI, longer duration of asthma, eosinophilic inflammation, and atopy. Lung function decline occurred several years before PAL development. Long-term follow-up should focus on the evolving trend of spirometry parameters.

Clinical, Radiological and Pathological Features of a Large American Cohort of Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA27B).

Spinocerebellar ataxia 27B due to GAA repeat expansions in the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene has recently been recognized as a common cause of late-onset hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Here we present the first report of this disease in the US population, characterizing its clinical manifestations, disease progression, pathological abnormalities, and response to 4-aminopyridine in a cohort of 102 patients bearing GAA repeat expansions. We compiled a series of patients with SCA27B, recruited from 5 academic centers across the United States. Clinical manifestations and patient demographics were collected retrospectively from clinical records in an unblinded approach using a standardized form. Post-mortem analysis was done on 4 brains of patients with genetically confirmed SCA27B. In our cohort of 102 patients with SCA27B, we found that SCA27B was a late-onset (57 ± 12.5 years) slowly progressive ataxia with an episodic component in 51% of patients. Balance and gait impairment were almost always present at disease onset. The principal finding on post-mortem examination of 4 brain specimens was loss of Purkinje neurons that was most severe in the vermis most particularly in the anterior vermis. Similar to European populations, a high percent of patients 21/28 (75%) reported a positive treatment response with 4-aminopyridine. Our study further estimates prevalence and further expands the clinical, imaging and pathological features of SCA27B, while looking at treatment response, disease progression, and survival in patients with this disease. Testing for SCA27B should be considered in all undiagnosed ataxia patients, especially those with episodic onset. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Endocrine Adverse Events Related To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment: Relationship Between Antibodies and Severity of Thyroid Dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to identify predictive and risk factors for the development of immune-related endocrinopathies and to analyze the incidence and characteristics of immune-related endocrinopathies in our population. A retrospective, single-centre cohort carried out at Gregorio Marañón Hospital between January 2018 -December 2019. A total of 163 patients were enrolled. In January 2018 and December 2019, we treated patients who underwent ICI treatment in the Medical Oncology Department of General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, a tertiary care public hospital in Madrid, as part of an observational, retrospective, single-center cohort study. Endocrinopathies were diagnosed in 19.5% of the patients (n = 32). The tumours with the highest incidence of endocrinopathies were non-small cell lung cancer (25,9%), kidney cell cancer (25%) and hepatocarcinoma (20%). Among the 32 patients who developed endocrinopathy, 18,8%, 19,13%, and 21,28% received anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PDL-1, respectively. Thyroid dysfunction was the most frequent endocrinopathy (12,8%). A higher percentage of patients with negative antiTPO and antiTG antibodies developed G1 hypothyroidism compared to patients with positive antibodies who developed a higher proportion of G2 hypothyroidism. The presence of an initial phase of thyrotoxicity was not related to greater severity. We observed longer progression-free survival in patients who developed thyroid dysfunction. Pre-existing antibodies were independently associated with endocrinopathies. Moreover, our study let us conclude that the presence of thyroid autoantibodies may be related to its severity. It is important to determine anti-thyroid antibodies prior to the start of immunotherapy as a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction, which in turn is a prognostic marker.