Independent Predictor Of Long-term Survival Research Articles

Insurance status is an independent predictor of long-term survival after lung transplantation in the United States

Socioeconomic factors such as education, health insurance, and race are known to affect health outcomes. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database provides a large cohort of lung transplant (LTx) recipients in which to evaluate the effect of insurance on survival. We retrospectively reviewed UNOS data for 11,385 adult primary LTx patients (1998-2008). Patients were stratified by insurance (private/self-pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and other type). All-cause mortality was examined with Cox proportional hazard regression incorporating 14 variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to model survival after LTx. Of 11,385 recipients, 7,100 (62.4%) had private insurance/self-pay; 2,966 (26.1%) had Medicare; 815 (7.2%) had Medicaid; and 504 (4.4%) had other type insurance. During the study, 4,943 patients (43.4%) died. Medicare and Medicaid patients had 7.0% and 8.1% lower 10-year survival than did private insurance/self-pay patients, respectively. Insurance did not affect 30-day, 90-day, or 1-year survival. Medicare and Medicaid patients had decreased survival at 3 years and longer. In multivariable analyses, Medicare (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.19) and Medicaid (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.45) significantly increased risk of death. When deaths in the first year were excluded, survival differences persisted. This study represents the largest cohort evaluating the effect of insurance on post-LTx survival. Medicare and Medicaid patients have worse survival after LTx compared with private insurance/self-paying patients.

Endoscopic esophageal tumor length

Pathologic esophageal tumor length (pL) is an independent predictor of long-term survival. However, whether patients with longer (high-risk) tumors can be identified by endoscopy before surgery has not been established. The objective of the current study was to determine the value of endoscopically measured tumor length (cL) in predicting overall survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. All patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who had undergone resection without neoadjuvant therapy and who had documented preoperative endoscopy findings were identified retrospectively by using prospectively collected databases at 2 institutions: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (n = 164; training set) and University of Rochester Medical Center (n = 109; validation set). Esophageal tumors were assessed preoperatively by endoscopy for cL, depth (cT), and lymph node involvement (cN). Univariate and multivariate analyses of cL and other standard prognostic factors were performed. In the training set, cL was correlated directly with pL (Pearson correlation [r] = 0.683; P < .001). Regression tree analyses suggested an optimum cutoff point of cL >2 cm to identify patients with decreased long-term survival (5-year survival rate: cL >2 cm, 29%; cL ≤ 2 cm, 78%; P < .001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that cL >2 cm was an independent risk factor for long-term survival (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.4; P = .02) even after controlling for age, cT, and cN. Validation with the validation dataset confirmed that cL was correlated directly with pL (r = 0.657; P < .001) and predicted long-term survival using a cL cutoff point of >2 cm (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-5.8; P = .004; univariate analysis). Endoscopic esophageal tumor length was identified as an independent predictor of long-term survival and may help to identify high-risk patients before they receive cancer-directed therapy.

Extracellular mass/body cell mass ratio is an independent predictor of survival in peritoneal dialysis patients

Malnutrition is a strong predictor of mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Extracellular mass (ECM) contains all the metabolically inactive, whereas body cell mass (BCM) contains all the metabolically active, tissues of the body. ECM/BCM ratio is a highly sensitive index of malnutrition. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between ECM/BCM ratio and survival in PD patients. We enrolled 62 patients from November 2000 to July 2008. On enrollment, demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were recorded. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to determine ECM and BCM in PD patients. Patients were followed up to November 2008. Mean age was 54+/-16 (s.d.) years; female, 55%; African Americans, 65%; diabetic, 24%. Mean ECM/BCM ratio was 1.206+/-0.197 (range: 0.73-1.62). Diabetics had higher ECM/BCM ratio than nondiabetics (1.29 vs 1.18, P=0.04). ECM/BCM ratio correlated directly with age (r=0.38, P=0.002) and inversely with serum albumin (r=-0.43, P=0.001), creatinine (-0.24, P=0.08), blood urea nitrogen (r=-0.26, P=0.06), and total protein (r=-0.31, P=0.026). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusting for age, race, gender, diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus status, enrollment ECM/BCM ratio was a significant independent predictor of mortality (relative risk=1.035, P=0.018). For every 10% increase in the ECM/BCM ratio, the relative risk of death was increased by about 35%. In conclusion, BIA-derived enrollment ECM/BCM ratio, a marker of malnutrition, was an independent predictor of long-term survival in PD patients.

Improved Predictive Models of Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure Using Time-Series Measurements of Inflammatory Biomarkers

covariates. During a median follow-up of 740 days, there was a strong association between change in Na level and survival (p for trend !0.001). In multivariable analysis, change in Na concentration was the strongest independent predictor of mortality (p 5 0.001; model c-statistic 0.758, 95% CI 0.702-0.813). Conclusion: Among patients hospitalized with HF and hyponatremia, change in serum Na concentration over time is a strong independent predictor of long-term survival. These data suggest that serum Na is a potential therapeutic target in patients with HF and hyponatremia.

Lower Extremity Performance Measures Predict Long-Term Prognosis in Older Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure

Background In older heart failure (HF) patients, survival depends on the severity of their cardiac condition and on their functional status. Lower extremity performance, assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), predicts survival in older persons, both in epidemiologic and clinical settings. We evaluated whether SPPB predicts long-term survival in older subjects hospitalized for HF, independent of traditional measures of HF severity. Methods and Results Subjects aged 65+ years were enrolled on discharge after hospitalization for decompensated HF. Participants underwent echocardiography, comprehensive geriatric assessment, and SPPB. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to predict survival over a 30-month follow-up. Of 157 participants (mean age 80 years, range 65–101; 50% men), 61 died. After adjustment for potential confounders, including demographics, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association classification, and comorbidity, we found a graded independent association between SBBP score and mortality risk: compared with an SPPB score of 9–12, scores of 0, 1–4, and 5–8 were associated with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of death of 6.06 (2.19–16.76), 4.78 (1.63–14.02), and 1.95 (0.67–5.70), respectively. Conclusions SPPB is an independent predictor of long-term survival of older subjects hospitalized for decompensated HF.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Clinical Staging Assessed by Computed Tomography in Resectable Gastric Cancer Patients

In the era of pre- or perioperative therapy for gastric cancer, clinical staging before treatment appears to be increasingly important for prognosis, yet there are no data on the subject for resectable gastric cancer patients. To evaluate the prognostic role of preoperative locoregional staging in gastric cancer patients undergoing curative resection. We reviewed 1964 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection without preoperative therapy from 2001 to 2005. We performed computed tomography and clinical staging according to both the International Union Against Cancer (UICC)/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) (sixth edition) classification system, which bases N stage on the number of involved nodes, and the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma (JCGC) system, which bases N stage on node location. The 5-year survival rates for patients with clinical T1, T2, T3, and T4 disease were 94.5%, 83.6%, 57.7%, and 35.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 5-year survival rates were 89.4% and 68.3%, respectively, for patients with clinical UICC/AJCC N0 and N1 disease (P < 0.001) and 89.4%, 72.4%, 61.0%, and 41.9%, respectively, for patients with clinical JCGC n0, n1, n2, and n3 disease (P < 0.001). When the JCGC system was applied within the UICC/AJCC N1 category, the 5-year survival rates significantly decreased, going from n1 (72.4%) to n2 (61.0%) to n3 (38.2%) (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, clinical T and N stage remained significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Clinical stage is an independent predictor of long-term survival in the preoperative setting. It should be incorporated as a stratification factor in a randomized clinical trial of preoperative therapy for gastric cancer patients.

Socio-economic Status is an Independent Predictor of Long-term Survival and Readmissions in Heart Failure

Socio-economic Status is an Independent Predictor of Long-term Survival and Readmissions in Heart Failure

Long-term survival after recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplant patients: Clinical patterns and outcome variables

Background The objective of this trial was to analyze the clinical patterns and outcome variables of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver transplant patients. Patients and methods Sixty patients after liver transplantation (LT) for HCC were analyzed. All of them received initially a calcineurin-inhibitor based immunosuppressive regimen. Recurrent HCC was treated by surgical intervention, if eligible, or adjuvant therapies. Furthermore, patients were converted to a Sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppressive regimen after tumor relapse. The impact of clinical and histopathological variables on post-recurrence survival was analyzed in uni- and multivariate analysis. Results Sixteen liver recipients developed HCC recurrence between 4 and 58 months (median: 23 months) post-LT. Sites of first tumor recurrence were lung ( n = 5), liver ( n = 4), bone ( n = 4), cerebrum ( n = 1), adrenal gland ( n = 1) and peritoneum ( n = 1). Seven patients were amenable for surgical resection, while 9 patients were only suitable for adjuvant treatment ( n = 4) or general medical support ( n = 5). Median survival rate post-recurrence was 65 months (range: 12–136 months) in patients amenable for surgical therapy, and 5 months (range: 1–52 months) in patients unsuitable for surgical intervention ( P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified late (>24 months) posttransplant tumor relapse ( P = 0.039) and surgical therapy ( P = 0.014) as independent predictors of long-term survival after tumor relapse. Five patients are tumour-free alive for a median of 65 months after surgical resection of recurrent HCC and conversion to SRL. Conclusion Liver transplant patients with HCC recurrence should be treated surgically, if eligible, since this is an independent predictor of long-term survival.

Prognosefaktoren bei Patienten mit COPD mit chronisch-hyperkapnischer respiratorischer Insuffizienz und außerklinischer Beatmungstherapie

The prevalence of patients with severe COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF) receiving non-invasive home ventilation has greatly increased. With regard to disease severity, a multidimensional assessment seems indicated. Base excess (BE), in particular, reflects the long-term metabolic response to chronic hypercapnia and thus constitutes a promising, easily accessible, integrative marker of CHRF. Infact, BE as well as nutritional status and lung hyperinflation have been identified as independent predictors of long-term survival. In addition and in a review with the literature, a broad panel of indices including frequent comorbidities are helpful for assessment and monitoring purposes of patients with CHRF. Accordingly, in view of the patients' individual risk profile, the decision about the initiation of NIV should probably not rely solely on symptoms and chronic persistent hypercapnia but include a spectrum of factors that specifically reflect disease severity. Owing to the physiologically positive effects of NIV and according to retrospective data, patients with COPD and recurrent hypercapnic respiratory decompensation and patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation and/or difficult weaning could also be considered for long-term non-invasive ventilation. This, however, has to be corroborated in future prospective trials.

Nutritional status in patients with chronic respiratory failure receiving home mechanical ventilation: Impact on survival

In patients with chronic respiratory diseases body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of long-term survival, whereas the prognostic value of body composition, especially fat-free mass index (FFMI), is unknown. In a prospectively collected cohort of 131 patients (50 females, 81 males; 71% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 29% severe restrictive disorders) undergoing home mechanical ventilation (HMV) due to chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF), the prognostic value of nutritional composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis was evaluated during a 4-year follow-up and compared to that of BMI, anthropometrics, and functional parameters. After follow-up, 53 patients (40.5%) had died. Regarding all-cause mortality cumulative survival percentages after 1, 2 and 3 years were 89.3, 76.3 and 67.9%, respectively. In univariate analyses, FFMI, BMI, sex, age, leukocyte number, FEV1 and 6-min walking distance were associated with survival (p<0.05). Multivariate analyses using the most significant percentiles identified by univariate analysis revealed FFMI (25th percentile; hazard ratio 0.338 [95% confidence interval: 0.189-0.605]), sex, leukocyte number (50th percentile) and FEV1 (50th percentile) as independent predictors of mortality. In patients with CHRF and HMV, body composition in terms of FFMI was an independent predictor of long-term survival. FFMI was superior to BMI and seems informative in the multidimensional assessment of these patients.

The impact of length of hospitalization following surgical resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer on long-term survival

7584 Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of length of hospital stay (LOS) following surgical resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on long-term survival. Methods: We reviewed the records of patients undergoing surgical resection for stage I NSCLC at our institution between 1990–2003. Patients not surviving hospitalization related to their surgery were excluded from analysis. Multivariate analysis was utilized to evaluate the impact of age, gender, tumor histology, tumor stage, LOS, and type of operation (lobar or sublobar) on long-term (&gt;5 year) survival. As a secondary analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves of patients stratified according to LOS were compared using the log-rank test. Two-tailed p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 730 patients underwent lobectomy (n=518) or sublobar resection during the study time period. There were 18 (2.5%) operative or in-hospital mortalities. Median LOS was 6 (range 1–81) and 7 (range 1–46) days in the lobar and sublobar cohorts, respectively. Patients with a longer hospital stay (≥14 days) had significantly worse 5- and 10-year overall survival rates as compared to those with a shorter hospitalization (lobectomy: 5-year- 60.3% vs 33.8%; 10-year-27.3% vs 8.4%; p&lt;0.001; sublobar: 5-year-44.3% vs 11.7%; 10-year-9.9% vs 0%; p=0.006). There were 171 patients with extended clinical follow-up who had survived at least 5 years (mean follow-up = 88.1 ± 2.0 months). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LOS predicted long-term survival independent of patient age, gender, tumor histology, tumor stage, and type of operation (p=0.013). Conclusions: LOS following surgical resection of stage I NSCLC is an independent predictor of long-term survival. These survival differences related to hospital stay may be related to underlying medical co-morbidities important to the decision making regarding therapy of patients with otherwise resectable stage I lung cancer. Prospective assessment of medical co-morbidities may be an important initiative for future treatment planning of early stage lung cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Immediate Listing for Liver Transplantation Versus Standard Care for Child–Pugh Stage B Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Liver transplantation improves survival of patients with end-stage (Child-Pugh stage C) alcoholic cirrhosis, but its benefit for patients with stage B disease is uncertain. To compare the outcomes of patients with Child-Pugh stage B alcoholic cirrhosis who are immediately listed for liver transplantation with those of patients assigned to standard treatment with delay of transplantation until progression to stage C disease. Randomized, controlled trial. 13 liver transplantation programs in France. 120 patients with Child-Pugh stage B alcoholic cirrhosis and no viral hepatitis, cancer, or contraindication to transplantation. Patients were randomly assigned to immediate listing for liver transplantation (60 patients) or standard care (60 patients). Overall and cancer-free survival over 5 years. Sixty-eight percent of patients assigned to immediate listing for liver transplantation and 25% of those assigned to standard care received a liver transplant. All-cause death and cirrhosis-related death did not statistically differ between the 2 groups: 5-year survival was 58% (95% CI, 43% to 70%) for those assigned to immediate listing versus 69% (CI, 54% to 80%) for those assigned to standard care. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of long-term survival were absence of ongoing alcohol consumption (hazard ratio, 7.604 [CI, 2.395 to 24.154]), recovery from Child-Pugh stage C (hazard ratio, 7.633 [CI, 2.392 to 24.390]), and baseline Child-Pugh score less than 8 (hazard ratio, 2.664 [CI, 1.052 to 6.746]). Immediate listing for transplantation was associated with an increased risk for extrahepatic cancer: The 5-year cancer-free survival rate was 63% (CI, 43% to 77%) for patients who were immediately listed and 94% (CI, 81% to 98%) for those who received standard care. Restriction of the study sample to alcoholic patients may limit the generalizability of results to other settings. Immediate listing for liver transplantation did not show a survival benefit compared with standard care for Child-Pugh stage B alcoholic cirrhosis. In addition, immediate listing for transplantation increased the risk for extrahepatic cancer. The French National Program for Clinical Research.

Esophageal tumor length is independently associated with long‐term survival

Esophageal cancer staging uses tumor depth as the sole criterion for assessment of the primary tumor (pT). To the authors' knowledge the impact of esophageal tumor length on long-term outcome and the esophageal cancer staging system has not been fully evaluated in the current era. All esophageal cancer patients (n = 209) undergoing surgery from 1995 to 2005 who did not receive preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy were reviewed. Maximum esophageal tumor length along a craniocaudal axis was determined pathologically after surgical resection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of esophageal tumor length (< or = 3 cm vs >3 cm) on long-term survival. Esophageal tumor length was closely associated with long-term survival (hazards ratio [HR] of 6.14 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 4.1-9.25]; 5-year survival: < or = 3 cm = 68%, >3 cm = 10% [P < .001]). Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated tumor length (HR of 2.13 [95% CI, 1.26-3.63]) was found to be a significant independent predictor of long-term survival even when controlled for sex, age, tumor location, histology, margin positivity, surgical procedure, and current pTNM criteria. The incorporation of tumor length in pTNM staging significantly improves the ability to predict the long-term survival of patients (5-year survival for patients with tumors < or = 3 cm and stages I, IIA, IIB, and III disease = 86%, 62%, 49%, and 22%, respectively; survival for patients with tumors measuring >3 cm and stages I, IIA, IIB, and III disease = 27%, 22%, 0%, and 8%, respectively [P < .1]). Esophageal tumor length is an independent predictor of long-term survival in the current era and should be considered for incorporation into the current esophageal cancer staging system to better predict long-term survival and identify high-risk patients for postoperative therapy.

Analysis of the surgical outcome and prognostic factors for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

To assess the therapeutic strategies and prognostic factors which influence on clinical outcome of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A total of 144 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent operation between January 1990 and December 2005 were analyzed, including 102 males and 42 females with 36- 74-years-old. All patients underwent resection among which 86 cases (59.7%) had an R0 resection (negative histologic margins), 34 cases (23.6%) had an R1 resection (positive histologic margins), 24 cases (16.7%) had an R2 resection. The Bismuth-Corlette classification of group R0 and R1: 28 cases (23.3%) in type I , 49 cases (40.8%) in type II, 10 cases (8.3%) in type III A, 19 cases (15. 8%) in type III B and 14 cases (11.7%) in type IV. The TNM stages of group R0 and R1: 19 cases (15.8%) in stage I, 80 cases in stage II (66.7%), 16 cases in stage III (13.3%), 5 cases in stage IV (4.2%). In group R0 and R1, there were 41 cases with well differentiated and 79 cases with moderately and poorly differentiated, 62 cases (51.7%) with negative lymph nodes and 58 cases (48.3%) with positive lymph nodes, 42 cases in stage T1 and 78 cases in stage T2-3, 86 cases with negative blood vessel metastasis and 34 cases with positive blood vessel metastasis. The median survival time was 46.8 months after R0 resection, 18.3 months after R1 resection, and 11.2 months after R2 resection. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates of the patients were 60.2%, 36.1% and 29.4%. Survival rates after resection in patients with negative lymph nodes (n = 62) were significantly longer than that in those with positive lymph nodes (n = 58) (P < 0.01). The T stage system predicted respectability and the likelihood of an R0 resection and correlated with survival (P = 0.030). Patients requiring portal vein resection had a worse prognosis than those without vascular resection (P = 0.047) but still survived longer than patients who were unresectable (P < 0.01). Negative histologic margins, concomitant partial hepatectomy, and well-differentiated tumor histology are associated with improved outcome after all hilar cholangiocarcinoma resections. In patients who underwent an R0 resection, concomitant partial hepatectomy is the only independent predictor of long-term survival.

Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients ≥85 Years of Age With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The oldest old comprise the fastest growing segment of the US population. However, data are limited regarding the treatment and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in this age group. We analyzed consecutive patients with STEMI>or=85 years old at a single center. Quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D Index (range -0.11 to 1.00) and EQ-VAS (range 0 to 100). Of 1,847 patients admitted from 2002 to 2007 with STEMI, 73 (4%) were >or=85 years old (range 85 to 94). Median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was 3 hours. Cardiogenic shock occurred in 33%. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 70% of patients, and the procedural success rate was 94%. Evidenced-based therapy included aspirin (97%), clopidogrel (93%), beta blockers (82%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (74%), and statins (86%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 32%, and it was 54% in those with cardiogenic shock. Long-term follow-up was obtained in 96% of hospital survivors at a median of 429 days. Survival rates in patients discharged alive were 75% at 1 year and 65% at 2 years. Cardiogenic shock was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 11.7, p=0.02), and primary PCI was the only independent predictor of long-term survival (hazard ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.8, p=0.02). Mean EQ-5D Index was 0.78 and mean EQ-VAS was 70.5. In conclusion, in the oldest old with STEMI, aggressive treatment is associated with reasonable long-term survival and excellent quality of life. The exception may be patients presenting with cardiogenic shock, for whom short-term mortality remains exceedingly high.

Abstract 2865: Enhanced Left Ventricular Mass Regression Following Aortic Valve Replacement is Associated with Improved Long-Term Survival: A 15-year Study

Background Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is followed by regression of LVH. More complete resolution of LVH is suggested to be associated with superior clinical outcomes, however its impact on long-term survival following AVR has not been investigated. Methods Demographic and clinical data were obtained retrospectively through casenote review. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure LVM pre-operatively and at annual follow-up visits. Patients were grouped according to their reduction in LVM at late follow-up: Group A &lt; 25 grams, Group B 25–150 grams and Group C &gt; 150 grams. Results 211 patients underwent AVR between 1 st January 1991 and 1 st January 2001. Pre-operative LVM was 295 ± 118 g in A (n=63), 346 ± 97 g in B (n=75) and 539 ± 175 g in C (n=73), P &lt;0.001. Mean time to last echocardiogram was 6.4 ± 3.3 years. LVM at late follow-up was 351 ± 160 g in A, 265 ± 95 g in B and 270 ± 90 g in C, P &lt;0.001. Transvalvular gradients at follow-up were not significantly differerent between groups (A: 21 ± 21 mm Hg, B: 20 ± 15 mm Hg, C: 14 ± 11 mm Hg), P = 0.10. There was no difference in the prevalence of other factors influencing LVM regression such as IHD or hypertension. Ten year actuarial survival was significantly greater in patients with enhanced LVM regression when compared with the log-rank test (A: 49% ± 7, B: 67%± 6, C: 75% ± 6), P =0.03 (Figure 1 ). LVM reduction &gt; 150 grams was an independent predictor of long-term survival on multivariate analysis (P = 0.03). Conclusion Enhanced LVM regression at late follow-up in patients undergoing AVR is associated with improved long-term survival. Strategies to optimize post-operative LVM regression should be considered in view of potential prognostic benefit.

Sustained Clearance of Serum Hepatitis C Virus-RNA Independently Predicts Long-Term Survival in Liver Transplant Patients With Recurrent Hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of virological response to long-term antiviral therapy using interferon plus ribavirin on survival of 30 liver transplant patients with recurrent hepatitis C. Mean treatment duration is currently 46 months (range: 3-144 months). Sustained clearance of serum hepatitis C virus RNA was achieved in 18 patients (60%). Allograft biopsies demonstrated fibrosis progression in seven virological nonresponders (66.6%), and none of the recipients with viral elimination (0%; P<0.001). Univariately, low pretransplant viral loads, the absence of cytomegalovirus infection, as well as biochemical and virological response to antiviral therapy indicated a positive impact on outcome (P<0.05). Only antiviral treatment induced clearance of viremia, however, was identified as independent predictor of long-term survival (P=0.02). Our data indicate that an antiviral combination should aim at viral eradication in liver transplant patients with recurrent hepatitis C, because it improves survival.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Renal Function

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an important clinical indicator of kidney function. It can be used as an independent predictor of long-term survival after cardiac surgery. Definition, methods of measurement, and corrected value by body surface area are briefly introduced in this paper. Details of the calculation of estimated GFR (eGFR) by Levey's formula with serum creatinine, age, gender, and race are offered. The relationship between estimated GFR and the four factors is shown graphically and discussed. An eGFR/creatinine conversion table for individual patients derived from the eGFR equation with clinically significant cutpoints is given, which can be used by physicians as a pragmatic reference.

An audit of outcomes of a series of periampullary carcinomas

Background Non-pancreatic periampullary carcinoma such as ampullary carcinoma (AmpCA), distal cholangiocellular carcinoma (CholCA) and duodenal carcinoma (DuoCA) have a better prognosis than pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (PanCA). This study describes the outcome and parameters, which predict survival of non-pancreatic periampullary carcinoma after resection. Methods and patients Data from 148 consecutive patients with non-pancreatic periampullary carcinomas were recorded prospectively between 1993 and 2005 and analyzed using univariate and multivariate models. Results One hundred thirty-three of 148 (90%) patients were resected for histologically proven non-pancreatic periampullary carcinomas. R0 resection was achieved for 92% of AmpCA, for 88% of CholCA and for all the DuoCA. The lowest recurrence rate was seen in DuoCA with 18%, followed by AmpCA with 21% and CholCA with 46%. The mean survival time was 60.9 months for AmpCA patients, 42.9 months for CholCA and 45.4 months for DuoCA patients. Five-year survival was 50.5%, 29.9% and 24.5% for AmpCA, CholCA and DuoCA, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified low bilirubin levels (<100 μmol/l), R0 resections and absence of surgical complications to be strong independent predictors of survival ( p < 0.05). In AmpCA low tumor stages are also an independent predictor of long-term survival ( p < 0.01). For T1/T2 AmpCA the 5-year survival rate was 61%, whereas none of the patients with a T3/T4 tumor survived 5 years. Conclusion Only T1/T2 ampullary carcinomas have a good prognosis, whereas T3/T4 ampullary tumors show aggressiveness similar to that of pancreatic head adenocarcinomas. Absence of surgical complications determines long-term outcome. Therefore, the combination of a complication-free and radical resection is essential for long-term survival.

Predictors of long-term survival after stroke in Taiwan

To determine the risk factors of long-term survival after stroke. A prospective, hospital-based cohort study. A total of 449 consecutive patients after acute stroke from 2 medical centres, within a 1-year period, were included. Dysphagia was confirmed with the water-swallow test within the first week after stroke. Data on co-morbidities and clinical risk factors were collected through chart review. Survival curves and independent risk factors were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportion hazards analysis, respectively. A total of 424 patients were followed for 10 years, and the survival was 54.2%. In univariate analysis, history of diabetes mellitus and recurrent stroke, dysphagia, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, tube feeding, dysarthria, and drooling were associated with higher mortality. In multivariate analysis, old age, history of recurrent stroke, and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of long-term survival. The leading causes of death were cerebro-vascular diseases and malignancy during the 10-year post-stroke period. Dysphagia was not an independent determinant of post-stroke survival. History of recurrent stroke and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of long-term survival. These results suggest that differential treatment strategies should be used in the different stages of stroke.