High Percentage Of Patients Research Articles

A Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b in Patients with Moderate COVID-19.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel mono-pegylated proline-interferon. This clinical study aimed to evaluate its antiviral efficacy of ropeginterferon alfa-2b against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label study. Adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with initial cycle threshold (Ct) value<30 and symptom onset within 4days were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive a single 250-µg dose of ropeginterferon alfa-2b subcutaneously plus standard of care (SOC) or to receive SOC alone. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a negative RT-PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 or discharged from the hospital before Day 8. Change in clinical status based on the World Health Organization (WHO) clinical progression scale and pulmonary infiltrations through chest radiograph were also evaluated. A total of 132 patients were enrolled and treated with study medication. Higher percentages of patients who achieved Ct≥30 or were discharged from the hospital were observed on Day 8 and every other time point of assessment, i.e., Days 5, 11, 15, and 22, in the ropeginterferon alfa-2b group compared to the SOC alone group. However, the difference was statistically significant on Day 11 but not on Day 8. The primary endpoint was not met. The ropeginterferon alfa-2b group showed a higher improvement rate in lung infiltration on Day 5 (27.6% vs. 0.0%, p=0.0087) and a higher improvement rate in WHO clinical progression scores on Day 8 (69.4% vs. 35.3%, p=0.03) than those in the SOC group. No ropeginterferon alfa-2b-related serious adverse event was observed. Our data show that ropeginterferon alfa-2b with SOC shortened the duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding compared with SOC alone. In addition, ropeginterferon alfa-2b as an additional therapy could be beneficial by improving lung infiltration.

Listeriosis in Poland in 2012-2021.

The aim of the study is to present and evaluate the epidemiological situation of listeriosis in Poland in the years 2012-2021. The analysis material consisted of data from individual epidemiological case reports on listeriosis submitted to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance of the NIPH NIH - NRI by state sanitaryepidemiological stations in the form of paper questionnaires (2012-2019) and in the electronic form through the EpiBaza system (2020 and 2021), as well as aggregated data from the bulletin "Infectious Diseases and Poisoning in Poland". Between 2012 and 2021, a total of 896 cases of listeriosis were registred in Poland. The median incidence was 0.23 per 100,000 population, which was an increase by 52.2% compared to the previous 5-year period (2007-2011). Every year, more than 90% of cases were hospitalized. The highest percentage of patients were in the age group >60 years old (65.5%). From 2012 to 2019 (in the years when information on cases was collected on a paper form), a total of 275 deaths of patients from listeriosis were recorded (38.4% of all reported cases). According to data from the EpiBaza system, in 2020 and 2021 there were 5 (8.33%) and 25 (20.83%) deaths due to listeriosis. A total of 92.1% of patients with listeriosis had significant predisposing factors for the occurrence of this disease, most of which were associated with neoplasia and heart disease and were present in half of all cases. As part of routine surveillance, no epidemic outbreak associated with Listeria monocytogenes infection was reported in Poland in the years 2012-2021.A total number of 49 pregnant women with listeriosis were reported during described period. Between 2012 and 2021, 37 cases of congenital listeriosis were reported. The median of incidence was 1.07/100 thousand live births, a decrease of 26% compared to the previous 5-year period (2007-2011). Of all congenital infections in newborns, 12 deaths (32.43%) were reported. The epidemiology of listeriosis is changing both in the EU/EEA countries and in Poland: the incidence is increasing and the distribution of cases in different age groups is changing, affecting primarily the elderly, especially those with predisposing diseases. Although 2020 tere was a decrease in the number of cases at EU level, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall trend of listeriosis cases isincreasing. The clinical condition has a significant impact on the course of L. monocytogenes infection: in healthy people, infection is usually asymptomatic. The disease primarily affects immunocompromised people. In contrast, infection of pregnant women can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, meningitis and neonatal sepsis with mortality rate of 20-30%. The growing trend in listeriosis is alarming and requires greater attention in terms of prevention and control of the disease.

The Usefulness of Posterior Shiny Corner Lesions in the Early Diagnosis of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears.

Posterior shiny corner lesions (PSCLs) have been reported to be useful for the early diagnosis of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) in surgical patients. However, the usefulness of PSCLs in outpatients, particularly regarding the optimal timing of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations after injury, remains unknown. We hypothesized that PSCLs would normally be observed in patients with MMPRTs within one month of injury. This study included 144 patients with knee pain who visited our hospital between January 2021 and May 2023. MRI findings within and after one month were examined. Fisher's exact test was performed for PSCLs, cleft signs, ghost signs, radial tear signs, bone cysts, and medial meniscus extrusion (MME), which are findings used for the diagnosis of MMPRTs. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for each MRI finding. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed for age, sex, PSCL, ghost sign, and MME. PSCLs were observed on 82.6% of the MRI scans within one month, but the positivity rate decreased after one month. After one month, a high percentage of patients had cleft signs and ghost signs. The results of a time-dependent ROC curve analysis showed that the PSCL had better diagnostic ability than the cleft sign, ghost sign, radial tear sign, and MME at a relatively early stage. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) of PSCL peaks around 35 days and then declines, reaching 0.8 or less around 40 days. On the other hand, the AUC of the cleft sign and ghost sign began to increase around 30 days after injury, and it exceeded 0.8 after approximately 100 days. The results of the binomial logistic regression analysis revealed significant PSCLs and ghost signs. Independent associations between the PSCL, or ghost sign, and the MMPRT were demonstrated. This study suggests that PSCLs have a superior diagnostic capability for MMPRT during the early stages of injury compared with other MRI findings in outpatients. In particular, PSCLs have a high positivity rate within one month after injury and a high diagnostic capacity up to 40 days after injury.

Landscape of Invasive Fusariosis in Pediatric Cancer Patients: Results of a Multicenter Observational Study From Latin America.

Invasive fusariosis (IF) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection that affects vulnerable hosts. We conducted a multicenter and multinational retrospective study to characterize the natural history and clinical management of IF in pediatric cancer patients. We selected patients <18 years old who were sequentially hospitalized in 10 Latin American medical centers with a diagnosis of IF between 2002 and 2021. Data were collected using an electronic case report form complemented by a dictionary of terms. We assessed mortality rates at 30, 60, and 90 days. We collected data from 60 episodes of IF (median age, 9.8 years) that were mostly documented in patients with hematologic cancer (70%). Other risk conditions found were lymphopenia (80%), neutropenia (76.7%), and corticosteroid exposure (63.3%). IF was disseminated in 55.6% of patients. Skin lesions was present in 58.3% of our patients, followed by pulmonary involvement in 55%, sinusitis in 21.7%, bone/joint involvement in 6.7% and 1 case each of endocarditis and brain abscess. Positive blood and skin biopsy cultures were detected in 60% and 48.3% of cases, respectively. Fusarium solani complex was the most commonly identified agent (66.6%). The majority of patients received monotherapy within the first 72 hours (71.6%), either with voriconazole or amphotericin B formulation. The mortality rates at 30, 60, and 90 days were 35%, 41.6%, and 45%, respectively. An important factor affecting mortality rates appears to be disseminated disease. The high percentage of patients with fungal involvement in multiple organs and systems highlights the need for extensive workup for additional sites of infection in severely immunocompromised children.

PCSK9 inhibitor in acute ischemic stroke patient receiving mechanical thrombectomy: early outcomes and safety.

Lipid-lowering therapies are mainstays in reducing recurrence after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Evolocumab, a Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, is a promising lipid-lowering agent known to decrease LDL cholesterol and mitigate vascular events alongside statins. However, its effects on the early functional outcomes post-mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects and incidence of bleeding events after the early, off-label use of PCSK9 inhibitors in AIS patients undergoing MT. We retrospectively analyzed patients who had MT at a Regional Stroke Center from December 2018 to April 2023. Our primary outcome was discharge functional outcomes. Secondary outcomes included early neurologic deterioration (END), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), 3-month functional outcomes, 3-month recurrence rate, and lipid profiles. Of 261 patients (mean age 69.2 ± 11.7, men 42.9%), 42 were administered evolocumab peri-procedurally. While baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, evolocumab group demonstrated improved discharge outcomes, with a lower mean NIHSS (8.8 ± 6.8 vs. 12.4 ± 9.8, p = 0.02) and a higher percentage of patients with discharge mRS ≤ 3 (52.4% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.041). The 3-month follow-up show a non-significant trend toward an improved outcome in the evolocumab group. Multivariable analysis indicated that evolocumab had a potential impact on favorable discharge outcomes (aOR 1.98[0.94-4.22] for mRS ≤ 3 and 0.47[0.27-0.84] for lower ordinal mRS). Notably, evolocuamb users exhibited fewer instances of END and sICH, although they do not reach statistical significance. Additionally, the evolocumab group demonstrated potential benefits in LDL cholesterol reduction over time. Early use of evolocumab in AIS patients undergoing MT appeared to be safe and associated with better early functional outcomes. The potential benefit of the PCSK9 inhibitor shown here warrants further prospective studies.

Effectiveness of the Green Heart Smartphone Application as a Self-Management Intervention for Hypertension and Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, the leading cause of death and disability. Thus, preventive interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are essential. Mobile-health technologies have emerged as promising tools for improving prevention by modifying risk factors. We created the "Green Heart" mobile app to help coronary artery disease (CAD) patients control their risk factors. The app has three modules: smoking cessation, dyslipidemia (DLP) control, and blood pressure (BP) management. This study evaluated the app's performance in monitoring hypertension (HTN) and DLP among known CAD cases. A randomized controlled trial enrolled 1590 CAD subjects, including 1114 hypertensive patients and 1488 subjects with DLP, and assigned them randomly to paper-based education or application-based groups. Regarding HTN, after 6 months, we finally analyzed 545 and 546 hypertensive patients, assigned to the conventional and app groups, respectively. Patients in the app group were more likely to have their BP managed successfully (88.6% vs. 78.5%; P<0.001). The app group showed higher odds of successful BP management (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.51 - 3.03). Regarding DLP, we analyzed 728 patients in the conventional and 714 patients in the app group. A higher percentage of patients in the app group (24.8%) had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels less than 70 mg/dL (16.1%; P<0.001). The app group showed higher odds of reducing LDL-C (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.32-2.26). We found that using the Green Heart app in the self-monitoring setting significantly improved BP and DLP management across the study population.

Federally Qualified Health Centers' Screening for Social Risk Factors and Health Outcomes.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are ideally positioned to identify and address health-related social needs, but little is understood about the relationship between social risk factor (SRF) screening and health outcomes. We studied 1352 FQHCs from the 2019 Uniform Data System. Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the relationship between SRF screening and the percentage of patients with adequately controlled diabetes and hypertension. Results show 71% of the FQHCs in the sample collected SRFs. FQHCs' screened for SRFs had higher percentages of patients with adequately controlled diabetes (69.5% vs 67.0%, P <.001) and hypertension (63.8% vs 59.4%, P <.001) relative to FQHCs not collecting SRFs.

Occupation-based demographic, clinical, and psychological presentation of spine pain: A retrospective analysis of 71,727 patients from urban India.

Although many studies have investigated the physical and ergonomic risks of spine pain in specific occupation groups, the literature is lacking on occupation-based clinical and psychological presentation in patients with spine pain. To analyze occupation-based variation in demographic, clinical, and psychological presentation in patients with spine pain. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 71727 patients with spine pain visiting a chain of spine rehabilitation clinics. Demographic and clinical variables such as gender, age, affected site, symptom duration, clinical symptoms and presentation, pain intensity, disability, and STarT Back Screening Tool (SBT) risk were compared between 9 occupational groups. The service and sales workers (44%) and students (43.5%) groups had the highest percentage of patients who presented with central spine pain; military personnel had the highest percentage of patients who presented with unilateral radicular pain (51.5%); and the retired or unemployed group had the highest percentage of patients who presented with severe myotomal loss (grade≤3) (6%). Homemakers had significantly higher pain intensity and disability (p < 0.001) and had the highest percentage of patients who presented with severe pain (47%), severe and crippled disability (59.5%), and medium to high risk (59%) with SBT when compared to other occupational groups. Patients with spine pain showed variation in demographic, clinical, and psychological presentation based on their occupation. The findings of this study can be the basis for identifying risk factors for spine pain and helping plan preventive and treatment measures based on their occupation.

Abstract PO4-14-04: Comprehensive genomic profiling results in patients with metastatic breast cancer due to germline BRCA1/2 status and their HER2-low status

Abstract Objective: To determine the usefulness of comprehensive genomic profiling testing and the percentage of HER2-low in patients with germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) variants metastatic breast cancer. Methods: We included 3404 patients with metastatic recurrent breast cancer who underwent CGP testing from June 2019 to June 2023 in Japan. We examined the proportion of patients with or without recommended therapy, the proportion of patients who received matched therapy, and the proportion of patients with HER2 low by gBRCA1/2 variant due to CGP testing. RESULTS.: Of the 3404 patients, 69 (2.0%) had gBRCA1, 136 (4.0%) had gBRCA 2, 5 (0.1%) had gBRCA1 &amp; gBRCA2, 1807 (53.1%) were negative, and 1388 (40.1%) were untested or unknown. The overall percentage of patients who recommended targeted therapy due to CGP testing was 37.4%(1272/3404), with gBRCA1 at 31.9%(22/69), gBRCA2 at 43.4%(59/136), and gBRCA1&amp;gBRCA2 at 50%(2/4). The percentage of matched therapy performed in the 1st line after the expert panel was 8.3% overall, 2.9% for gBRCA1, 14.0% for gBRCA2, and 0% for gBRCA1&amp;gBRCA2. The rate of tumor mutation burden (TMB) high was 7.4% overall, and gBRCA1 at 2 .9%, gBRCA2 at 9.6%, and gBRCA1&amp;gBRCA2 at 50%. On the other hand, the percentage of HER2-low was 38.3% overall, 29% for gBRCA1, 58.1% for gBRCA2, and 25% for gBRCA1 &amp; gBRCA2. Conclusion.: Germline BRCA2 variants had a higher rate of reaching matched therapy based on CGP test results. The higher rate of TMB high was suggested to be the reason for this. The high percentage of patients with HER2-low is also expected to improve the prognosis. Citation Format: Hiroshi Tada, Minoru Miyashita, Narumi Harada-Shoji, Yohei Hamanaka, Miku Sato, Mika Yanagaki, Satoko Tsunokake, Tokiwa Motonari, Tomomi Kon, Asumi Yamazaki, Takanori Ishida. Comprehensive genomic profiling results in patients with metastatic breast cancer due to germline BRCA1/2 status and their HER2-low status [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-14-04.

Emergency Department SpO2/FiO2 Ratios Correlate with Mechanical Ventilation and Intensive Care Unit Requirements in COVID-19 Patients.

Patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are at high risk for respiratory dysfunction. The pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) ratio is a non-invasive assessment of respiratory dysfunction substituted for the PaO2:FiO2 ratio in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scoring. We hypothesized that emergency department (ED) SpO2/FiO2 ratios correlate with requirement for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. Our objective was to identify COVID-19 patients at greatest risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, using SpO2/FiO2 ratios. We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted with COVID-19 at two hospitals. Highest and lowest SpO2/FiO2 ratios (percent saturation/fraction of inspired O2) were calculated on admission. We performed chi-square, univariate, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the relationship of admission SpO2/FiO2 ratios with requirement for mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) care. A total of 539 patients (46% female; 84% White), with a mean age 67.6 ± 18.6years, met inclusion criteria. Patients who required mechanical ventilation during their hospital stay were statistically younger in age (P = 0.001), had a higher body mass index (P < .001), and there was a higher percentage of patients who were obese (P = 0.03) and morbidly obese (P < .001). Shortness of breath, cough, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms with a median temperature of 99°F. Average white blood count was higher in patients who required ventilation (P = <0.001). A highest obtained ED SpO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤300 was associated with a requirement for mechanical ventilation. A lowest obtained ED SpO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤300 was associated with a requirement for intensive care unit care. There was no statistically significant correlation between ED SpO2/FiO2 ratios >300 and mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit (ICU) requirement. The ED SpO2/FiO2 ratios correlated with mechanical ventilation and ICU requirements during hospitalization for COVID-19. These results support ED SpO2/FiO2 as a possible triage tool and predictor of hospital resource requirements for patients admitted with COVID-19. Further investigation is warranted.

HYPERRENINISM - A COMMON PHENOMENON IN HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS

Objective: Since the beginning of the worldwide pandemic the interaction of SARS-CoV2 on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is discussed intensively. Since ACE-2 was identified as the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2, the debate started with the question, whether treatment with ACE-inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) should be discontinued during the pandemic. In contrast, current studies investigate a potential benefit by ACE-I, ARB and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. However, data on renin and aldosterone concentrations in patients with COVID-19 are sparse. Design and method: We performed a cross-sectional study in 52 patients hospitalized for moderate COVID-19 (peripheral ward, no intensive care) assessing renin and aldosterone after admission. Blood pressure, comorbidities and medication were documented. Results: 50% of the patients had increased renin concentrations with a median of 57.35ng/ml (IQR 34.3 - 80.1). 13.5% had decreased concentrations. 36.5% had a renin concentration within normal range. Median renin concentration in the overall study population was 24ng/ml (IQR 6.8 - 60.28). Despite the high percentage of patients with hyperreninism, only 13.5% showed increased levels of aldosterone 366pg/ml (IQR 268-384). There were no cases of primary hyperaldosteronism. Median aldosterone concentration was 81.5pg/ml (IQR 34.3-80.1) in the overall population. Those patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism revealed hypokalemia in 0%, metabolic alkalosis in 0%, and hypertension in 0%. Median renin concentration did not significantly differ in subjects with and without ACE-I or ARB 17ng/ml (5,6-69.6) vs. 24.4ng/ml (5.5-57.3), p = 0.91. Conclusions: Hyperreninism is a frequent phenomenon and occurs in every second patient hospitalized for COVID 19. This finding could not be explained by volume depletion, hypotension, or use of ACE-I/ARB. Both the reason for this finding and the infrequent translation into secondary hyperaldosteronism will have to be investigated in future studies.

Vaccine adherence and adverse events of the SARS-COV vaccine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ObjectiveTo assess adherence to and the adverse effects of the SARS-COV vaccine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients and methodsThis is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data, SARS-COV vaccine data, medications for IBD with use during the vaccination period, and adverse events during the vaccination period were collected. Carried out logistic regressions with robust variance estimation to estimate the odds ratio with the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to assess the factors associated with non-serious adverse effects following vaccine doses as outcome variables. Results194 patients participated, with vaccine compliance of 78.3% for three doses of any vaccine (n=152). Local symptoms and mild systemic symptoms predominated, regardless of the type of vaccine. The first dose of the SARS-COV vaccine with AstraZeneca had a higher percentage of patients with vaccine symptoms. AstraZeneca vaccine increased the chance of non-serious adverse effects in IBD patients by 2.65 times (95% CI: 1.38–5.08; p=0.003), regardless of age, gender, physical activity, excess weight, use of disease-modifying drugs, immunobiological and corticosteroids. CoronaVac vaccine was associated with asymptomatic patients at the first dose and reduced the chance of adverse effects by 0.28 times (OR: 0.284; 95%CI: 0.13–0.62; p=0.002). ConclusionLocal symptoms and mild systemic symptoms predominated, regardless of the type of vaccine. Using CoronaVac in the first dose reduced the chances of adverse effects, while AstraZeneca increased the risk of adverse effects.

Urethral-sparing laparoscopic simple prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with asymptomatic urethral stricture after urethral stricture surgery

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of urethral-sparing laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (US-LSP) for the treatment of large-volume (>80 ml) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with asymptomatic urethral stricture (urethral lumen > 16 Fr) after urethral stricture surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 39 large-volume BPH patients with asymptomatic urethral stricture after urethral stricture surgery who underwent US-LSP from January 2016 to October 2021. Postoperative follow-ups were scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months.ResultsAll patients affected by significant BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including 22 cases with asymptomatic anterior urethral stricture and 17 cases with asymptomatic posterior urethral stricture. Median operative time was 118 min (interquartile range [IQR]100–145). Median estimated blood loss was 224 ml (IQR: 190–255). 33 patients(84.6%) avoided continuous bladder irrigation. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (12.8%), including 4 cases with Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and grade 2 and 1 case with grade 3a. During follow-up, US-LSP presented statistically significant improvements in LUTS compared to baseline (P < 0.05). A total of 25 patients had normal ejaculation preoperatively and 3 patients (12%) complained retrograde ejaculation postoperatively. Two patients (5.1%) reported stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and no patient reported aggravated urethral stricture during follow-up.ConclusionsUS-LSP was safe and effective in treating large-volume BPH with asymptomatic urethral stricture after urethral stricture surgery. Meanwhile, US-LSP could reduce the risk of SUI in patients with asymptomatic posterior urethral stricture and maintain ejaculatory function in a high percentage of patients.

Posaconazole versus voriconazole as antifungal prophylaxis for invasive fungal diseases in patients with hematological malignancies.

The incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) has risen in hematologic malignancy patients due to neutropenia. While posaconazole is recommended as the first-line antifungal prophylaxis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and voriconazole is an alternative, there is currently no direct comparison data available to assess their relative effectiveness. We retrospectively reviewed eligible patient charts from January 2017 to February 2019 to identify breakthrough IFD rates, drug adverse event frequency, and drug acquisition cost in AML/MDS patients. Forty-eight patients received 130 chemo cycles, with 50 (38%) cycles prescribed posaconazole and 80 (62%) prescribed voriconazole as primary IFD prophylaxis. The incidence rates of IFD in the posaconazole group were 8% (4 out of 50), of which two were probable and two were possible infections, while 6.26% (5 out of 80) of patients in the voriconazole group developed IFD, with four possible infections and one probable infection (p = 0.73). A higher percentage of patients in the voriconazole group discontinued prophylaxis due to adverse events, with six patients compared to two patients in the posaconazole group (p = 0.15). The drug acquisition cost of posaconazole is 5.62 times more expensive than voriconazole. The use of voriconazole instead of posaconazole for 130 chemo cycles would save $166,584.6. Posaconazole and voriconazole have comparable efficacy and safety in preventing IFD in AML and MDS patients receiving chemotherapy. However, posaconazole is more costly than voriconazole.

Efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in real-world psoriasis management: data from patients who are biologic-naive vs. biologic-experienced.

Bimekizumab is the latest monoclonal antibody approved for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Currently, data investigating its use in real-world settings are limited. To assess the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, also comparing patients who are biologic-naive vs. biologic-experienced. A short-term (16 weeks) real-world monocentric prospective study was undertaken. Globally, 56 patients were included. At baseline, mean Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were 16.9 (SD 7.8) and 22.6 (SD 5.9), respectively. A ≥ 75%/≥ 90%/100% reduction in PASI (PASI 75/90/100) were reached by 77% (43/56)/50% (28/56)/43% (43/56) of patients at week 4 and by 88% (49/56)/82% (46/56)/70% (39/56) of patients at week 16. In our cohort of 56 people, 29 (52%) patients were biologic-naive whereas 27 (48%) were biologic-experienced. At baseline, both PASI and DLQI were significantly higher in the biologic-naive group compared with the biologic-experienced group [PASI 19.4 (SD 7.7) vs. 14.2 (SD 7.0), P < 0.05; DLQI: 25.3 (SD 4.5) vs. 19.7 (SD 6.0), P < 0.001]. Although not significant, a higher percentage of patients in the biologic-naive group compared with the biologic-experienced group reached PASI 75 (79% vs. 63%, P = 0.18), PASI 90 (62% vs. 44%, P = 0.19) and PASI 100 (48% vs. 37%, P = 0.40) at week 4. However, the percentage of PASI 75/90/100 response were similar between the two groups at week 16. Regarding safety, three candidiasis (5%) and one (2%) eczematous reaction were reported, without differences between the two groups. Finally, two (4%) bimekizumab discontinuation because of treatment failure and three (5%) for AEs were collected. Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, suggesting that the previous failure of biologics does not seem to affect its therapeutic effectiveness.

Pediatric and Young Adult Trauma Recidivism.

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children. Much can be gleaned from the adult literature in understanding the characteristics that lead to recidivism in efforts to establish interventions for prevention. Our study aims to evaluate the rates, demographics, and features of pediatric trauma recidivism. This was a retrospective single-institution review at a level-1 pediatric trauma center of children and young adults (ages 0-28) with traumatic injuries from January 2008 to April 2023. Patients with 1 or more prior visits to our institution's trauma center (recidivists) were identified and compared with those with single admissions. Chi-square tests were used to statistically analyze the two groups. Pediatric/young adult trauma recidivists were 4.4% of the total trauma population captured (n = 14,613). Of the total trauma group, 55% were under 18 years old. Recidivists had higher percentages of patients who were male (82% vs 69%, P < .01), African American (36% vs 24%, P < .01), involved in penetrating trauma (33% vs 17%, P < .01), self-pay/uninsured (17% vs 12%, P < .01), and have abuse reported (5% vs 4%, P = .04). The primary county for recidivism patients was Forsyth with most patients from a specific zip code in an urban area of the county. The average time between visits for recidivists was 1,066days. Pediatric/young adult trauma recidivism is associated with specific characteristics including male, African American race, penetrating trauma, and uninsured status. Recidivists are primarily presenting from a zip code with low socioeconomic status. It is critical to develop targeted interventions to help this population in trauma prevention.

Correlation between Pain and Anal Defecation Function in Postoperative Patients with Colorectal Cancer and Related Factors Affecting Patients' Prognosis.

The degree of postoperative pain and defecation function in colorectal cancer will affect patients' prognosis. Therefore, exploring the correlation between postoperative pain and defecation function, and analyzing the related factors, will help to improve the quality of patients' prognosis. A total of 94 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to our hospital from March 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected for study. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain level of the patients. The low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scale was used to evaluate bowel function of the patients, and the incidence of LARS was recorded. The patients were grouped according to whether or not they had the complications of LARS, and they were divided into the groups of concurrent LARS and non-concurrent LARS. The patients' anorectal pressure was measured, and the measurements included maximum tolerated volume (MTV), anorectal resting pressure (ARP), and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test associations between anal defecation function and postoperative pain and anorectal manometry. Logistic regression was used to test predictors of concurrent LARS, and the value of each of the indices for prediction of LARS was examined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Patients' VAS scores were positively correlated with LARS scores (p < 0.05). A total of 22 patients with VAS score ≥20 points were found to have a LARS incidence of 23.40% based on the LARS score. The VAS score was higher in the concurrent LARS group than in the non-concurrent LARS group (p < 0.05). The concurrent LARS group had a higher percentage of patients with age ≥60 years, body mass index ≥24 kg/m2, anastomotic position <5 cm from the anal verge, preoperative radiotherapy, and anastomotic fistula than the non-current LARS group (p < 0.05). The levels of MTV, ARP, and MSP were lower in patients in the concurrent LARS group than in the non-current LARS group (p < 0.05). Patients' LARS scores were negatively correlated with MTV (r = -0.420), ARP (r = -0.300) and MSP (r = -0.220) levels (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that anastomotic position <5 cm from the anal verge, preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic fistula, high VAS level, and low MTV level were all significant predictors of concurrent LARS. Anastomotic position, whether or not radiotherapy was administered preoperatively, anastomotic fistula, VAS score, and MSP level all had high sensitivity and specificity for prediction of concurrent LARS, and the combined area under the curve (AUC) of each index was 0.921, sensitivity was 0.818, and specificity was 0.944. LARS is strongly associated with the patient's pain level, and factors such as anastomotic position <5 cm from the anal verge, preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic fistula, high VAS level, and low MTV level will increase the risk of concurrent LARS in patients.

Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities Affect Access to High-Volume Centers During Meningioma Treatment

Studies examining the relationship between hospital case volume, socioeconomic determinants of health, and patient outcomes are lacking. We sought to evaluate these associations in the surgical management of intracranial meningiomas. We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for patients who underwent craniotomy for the resection of meningioma in 2013. We categorized hospitals into high (HVC) or low (LVC) volume centers. We compared outcomes in 2016 to assess the potential impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on healthcare equity. Primary outcome measures included hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), complications, and disposition. A total of 10270 encounters were studied (LVC: n=5730 [55.8%], HVC n=4340 [44.2%]). 62.9% of LVC patients identified as white compared to 70.2% at HVC (p<0.01). A higher percentage of patients at LVC came from the lower two quartiles of median household income than HVC (49.9% vs 44.2% p<0.001). Higher mortality (1.3% vs 0.9% p = 0.041) was in LVCs. Multivariable regression analysis showed LVCs were significantly associated with increased complication (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.30-1.426, p<0.001) and longer hospital LOS (OR -0.05, 95% CI -0.92,-0.45, p=<0.001). There was a higher proportion of white patients at HVCs in 2016 compared to 2013 (67.9% vs. 72.3%). More patients from top income quartiles (24.2% vs. 40.5%) were treated at HVC in 2016 compared to 2013. This study demonstrated notable racial and socioeconomic disparities in LVC as well as access to HVCs over time. Disparities in meningioma treatment may persistent and require further study.

Improving early cholecystectomy rate in acute cholecystitis with an evidence-based local multidisciplinary protocol and a surgical audit: single-center experience through an Acute Care Surgery Division.

To analyze if, after implementation of an evidence-based local multidisciplinary protocol for acute cholecystitis (AC), an intermediate surgical audit could improve early cholecystectomy (EC) rate and other therapeutic indicators. Longitudinal cohort study at a tertiary center. The local protocol, promoted, created, and periodically revised by the Acute Care Surgery Unit (ACSu) was updated and approved on March 2019. A specific registry was prospectively fulfilled with demographics, comorbidity, type of presentation, diagnostic items, therapeutic decision, and clinical course, considering both non-operative management (NOM) or cholecystectomy, early and delayed (EC and DC). Phase 1: April 2019-April 2021. A critical analysis and a surgical audit with the participation of all the involved Departments were then performed, especially focusing on improving global EC rate, considered primary outcome. Phase 2: May 2021-May 2023. Software SPSS 23.0 was used to compare data between phases. Initial EC rate was significantly higher on Phase 2 (39.3%vs52.5%, p < 0.004), as a significantly inferior rate of patients were initially bailed out from EC to NOM because of comorbidity (14.4%vs8%, p < 0.02) and grade II with severe inflammatory signs (7%vs3%, p < 0.04). A higher percentage of patients was recovered for EC after an initial decision of NOM on Phase 2, but without reaching statistical significance (21.8%vs29.2%, n.s.). Global EC rate significantly increased between phases (52.5%vs66.3%, p < 0.002) without increasing morbidity and mortality. A significant minor percentage of elective cholecystectomies after AC episodes had to be performed on Phase 2 (14%vs6.7%, p < 0.009). Complex EC and those indicated after readmission or NOM failure were usually performed by the ACSu staff. To adequately follow up the implementation of a local protocol for AC healthcare, registering and periodically analyzing data allow to perform intermediate surgical audits, useful to improve therapeutic indicators, especially EC rate. AC constitutes an ideal model to work with an ACSu.

Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of survival in biliary tract adenocarcinomas.

Despite advances in detection and treatments, biliary tract cancers continue to have poor survival outcomes. Currently, there is limited data investigating the significance of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and environmental factors in biliary tract cancer survival. To investigate how socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are associated with survival. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for biliary and gallbladder adenocarcinomas were extracted from 1975 to 2016. Socioeconomic data included smoking, poverty level, education, adjusted household income, and percentage of foreign-born persons and urban population. Survival was calculated with Cox proportional hazards models for death in the 5-year period following diagnosis. Our study included 15883 gallbladder, 11466 intrahepatic biliary, 12869 extrahepatic biliary and 7268 ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma cases. When analyzing county-specific demographics, patients from counties with higher incomes were associated with higher survival rates [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97, P <0.05]. Similarly, counties with a higher percentage of patients with a college level education and counties with a higher urban population had higher 5-year survival rates (HR = 0.96, P = 0.002 and HR = 0.97, P = 0.004, respectively). Worse survival outcomes were observed in lower income counties while higher income and education level were associated with higher 5-year overall survival among gallbladder and biliary malignancies.