Independent Predictors Of Failure Research Articles

Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries

IntroductionTraumatic subaxial fractures account for more than half of all cervical spine injuries. The optimal surgical approach is a matter of debate and may include anterior, posterior or a combined anteroposterior (360º) approach. Analyzing a cohort of patients initially treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for traumatic subaxial injuries, the study aimed to identify predictors for treatment failure and the subsequent need for supplementary posterior fusion (PF).MethodsA retrospective, single center, consecutive cohort study of all adult patients undergoing primary ACDF for traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures between 2006 and 2018 was undertaken and 341 patients were included. Baseline clinical and radiological data for all included patients were analyzed and 11 cases of supplementary posterior fixation were identified.ResultsPatients were operated at a median of 2.0 days from the trauma, undergoing 1-level (78%), 2-levels (16%) and ≥ 3-levels (6.2%) ACDF. A delayed supplementary PF was performed in 11 cases, due to ACDF failure. On univariable regression analysis, older age (p = 0.017), shorter stature (p = 0.031), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) injury (p = 0.004), injury to ligamentum flavum (p = 0.005), bilateral facet joint dislocation (p < 0.001) and traumatic cervical spondylolisthesis (p = 0.003) predicted ACDF failure. On the multivariable regression model, older age (p = 0.015), PLL injury (p = 0.048), and bilateral facet joint dislocation (p = 0.010) remained as independent predictors of ACDF failure.ConclusionsACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures. High age, bilateral facet joint dislocation and traumatic PLL disruption are independent predictors of failure. We suggest increased vigilance regarding these cases.

Towards a tailored approach for patients with acute diverticulitis and abscess formation. The DivAbsc2023 multicentre case–control study

BackgroundThis multicentre case–control study aimed to identify risk factors associated with non-operative treatment failure for patients with CT scan Hinchey Ib-IIb and WSES Ib-IIa diverticular abscesses.MethodsThis study included a cohort of adult patients experiencing their first episode of CT-diagnosed diverticular abscess, all of whom underwent initial non-operative treatment comprising either antibiotics alone or in combination with percutaneous drainage. The cohort was stratified based on the outcome of non-operative treatment, specifically identifying those who required emergency surgical intervention as cases of treatment failure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors associated with the failure of non-operative treatment was employed.ResultsFailure of conservative treatment occurred for 116 patients (27.04%). CT scan Hinchey classification IIb (aOR 2.54, 95%CI 1.61;4.01, P < 0.01), tobacco smoking (aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.24;3.25, P < 0.01), and presence of air bubbles inside the abscess (aOR 1.59, 95%CI 1.00;2.52, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of failure. In the subgroup of patients with abscesses > 5 cm, percutaneous drainage was not associated with the risk of failure or success of the non-operative treatment (aOR 2.78, 95%CI − 0.66;3.70, P = 0.23).ConclusionsNon-operative treatment is generally effective for diverticular abscesses. Tobacco smoking's role as an independent risk factor for treatment failure underscores the need for targeted behavioural interventions in diverticular disease management. IIb Hinchey diverticulitis patients, particularly young smokers, require vigilant monitoring due to increased risks of treatment failure and septic progression. Further research into the efficacy of image-guided percutaneous drainage should involve randomized, multicentre studies focussing on homogeneous patient groups.Graphical abstract

The value of ultrasound parameters in predicting the efficacy of transabdominal ultrasound-guided suction curettage alone in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy.

To investigate the value of ultrasound parameters in assessing the efficacy of transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)-guided suction curettage alone for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Secondary retrospective analysis of a prospective study consisted of 137 women diagnosed with CSP who were performed TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for the first time at Maternity and Child Health Care of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. Prior to surgery, an ultrasound examination was conducted. Based on the need for secondary intervention, the patients were categorized into failure group and success group, and the predictive factors for failure of TAUS-guided suction curettage alone were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression showed that maximum diameter of the gestational sac>29 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 4.043, 95% CI: 1.100-14.862), residual myometrium thickness ≤1.8 mm (OR = 3.719, 95% CI: 1.148-12.048) and chorionic villi thickness at the scar >4.7 mm (OR = 15.327, 95% CI: 4.617-50.881) were independent predictors of failure in TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for CSP. Furthermore, the logistic regression model that was jointly constructed by these three predictors demonstrated an area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index of 0.913, 0.912, 0.864, and 0.776, respectively. The maximum diameter of the gestational sac, residual myometrium thickness, and chorionic villi thickness at the scar has certain predictive efficacy of TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for CSP. Nevertheless, it is more valuable to apply the model of this study, composed of the three ultrasound parameters, for this prediction purpose.

Role of a Real-Time TDM-Based Expert Clinical Pharmacological Advice Program in Optimizing the Early Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Continuous Infusion Beta-Lactams among Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients with Documented or Suspected Gram-Negative Infections.

(1) Objectives: To describe the attainment of optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients treated with continuous infusion (CI) beta-lactams optimized using a real-time therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided expert clinical pharmacological advice (ECPA) program during the early post-surgical period. (2) Methods: OLT recipients admitted to the post-transplant intensive care unit over the period of July 2021-September 2023, receiving empirical or targeted therapy with CI meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, or ceftazidime-avibactam optimized using a real-time TDM-guided ECPA program, were retrospectively retrieved. Steady-state beta-lactam (BL) and/or beta-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) plasma concentrations (Css) were measured, and the Css/MIC ratio was selected as the best PK/PD target for beta-lactam efficacy. The PK/PD target of meropenem was defined as being optimal when attaining a fCss/MIC ratio > 4. The joint PK/PD target of the BL/BLI combinations (namely piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam) was defined as being optimal when the fCss/MIC ratio > 4 of the BL and the fCss/target concentration (CT) ratio > 1 of tazobactam or avibactam, or the fAUC/CT ratio > 24 of vaborbactam were simultaneously attained. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for testing potential variables that were associated with a failure in attaining early (i.e., at first TDM assessment) optimal PK/PD targets. (3) Results: Overall, 77 critically ill OLT recipients (median age, 57 years; male, 63.6%; median MELD score at transplantation, 17 points) receiving a total of 100 beta-lactam treatment courses, were included. Beta-lactam therapy was targeted in 43% of cases. Beta-lactam dosing adjustments were provided in 76 out of 100 first TDM assessments (76.0%; 69.0% decreases and 7.0% increases), and overall, in 134 out of 245 total ECPAs (54.7%). Optimal PK/PD target was attained early in 88% of treatment courses, and throughout beta-lactam therapy in 89% of cases. Augmented renal clearance (ARC; OR 7.64; 95%CI 1.32-44.13) and MIC values above the EUCAST clinical breakpoint (OR 91.55; 95%CI 7.12-1177.12) emerged as independent predictors of failure in attaining early optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets. (4) Conclusion: A real-time TDM-guided ECPA program allowed for the attainment of optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets in approximately 90% of critically ill OLT recipients treated with CI beta-lactams during the early post-transplant period. OLT recipients having ARC or being affected by pathogens with MIC values above the EUCAST clinical breakpoint were at high risk for failure in attaining early optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets. Larger prospective studies are warranted for confirming our findings.

The Gluteus-Score-7 Predicts the Likelihood of Both Clinical Success and Failure Following Surgical Repair of the Hip Gluteus Medius and/or Minimus

To identify patient preoperative history, examination, and imaging characteristics that increase the risk of postoperative failure of gluteus medius/minimus repair, and to develop a decision-making aid predictive of clinical outcomes for patients undergoing gluteus medius/minimus repair. Patients from 2012 to 2020 at a single institution undergoing gluteus medius/minimus repair with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. MRIs were graded according to the "three-grade" classification system: grade 1: partial-thickness tear, grade 2: full-thickness tears with <2 cm of retraction, grade 3: full-thickness tears with ≥2 cm retraction. Failure was defined as undergoing revision within 2 years postoperatively or not achieving both a cohort-calculated minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and responding "no" to patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). Inversely, success was defined as reaching both an MCID and responding "yes" to PASS. Predictors of failure were verified on logistic regression and a predictive scoring model, the Gluteus-Score-7, was generated to guide treatment-decision making. In total, 30 of 142 patients (21.1%) were clinical failures at mean ± SD follow-up of 27.0 ± 5.2 months. Preoperative smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-8.4; P= .041), lower back pain (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1-7.3; P= .038), presence of a limp or Trendelenburg gait (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.5-10.2; P= .006), history of psychiatric diagnosis (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.8; P= .014), and increased MRI classification grades (P ≤ .042) were independent predictors of failure. The Gluteus-Score-7 was generated with each history/examination predictor assigned 1 point and MRI classes assigned corresponding 1-3 points (min 1, max 7 score). A score of ≥4/7 points was associated with risk of failure and a score ≤2/7 points was associated with clinical success. Independent risk factors for revision or not achieving either MCID or PASS after gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon repair include smoking, preoperative lower back pain, psychiatric history, Trendelenburg gait, and full-thickness tears, especially tears with ≥2 cm retraction. The Gluteus-Score-7 tool incorporating these factors can identify patients at risk of both surgical treatment failure and success, which may be useful for clinical decision-making. Level IV, prognostic case series.

P146 Pragmatic Biologic Tapering Combining Clinical and Ultrasound Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Routine Clinical Practice - Predictors of Failure from a Regional Centre in UK

Abstract Background/Aims Tapering biologic therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is evolving. Our primary objective was to combine clinical and ultrasound assessment in selecting patients with RA for tapering biologic therapies. The secondary objectives were to identify predictors for failure and cost savings. Methods RA patients on biologics in sustained clinical remission (defined as DAS 28 &amp;lt; 2.6) in the previous year and imaging remission (defined as Power Doppler US of small joints of hands not significant) were included. The patients were seen in a multidisciplinary clinic with an advanced pharmacy practitioner between April 2019 and March 2022. They were advised to lengthen the interval of their biologics gradually and were followed quarterly till September 2022. Failure was defined as reverting to previous regime at any point during follow up. Independent predictors of failure were identified with Cox multiple regression analysis SPSS v29.0 (IBM 2022). Results Biologics were tapered in 184 patients including 129 on anti-cytokine therapy (abatacept 13, adalimumab 35, certolizumab 31, etanercept 18, golimumab 8, infliximab 4, tocilizumab 20) and 55 on rituximab. The mean age of the cohort was 63.8±11.7 years and there were 72.3% females. The mean duration of RA was 15.2 ± 7.9 years and baseline DAS28 before taper was 1.93±1.04 years. Concomitant DMARDs were used in 53.8%. Anti-cytokine therapy:Over 287.9 patient-years follow up (mean follow up duration: 26.8 ± 14.1 months), taper failure occurred in 36 (27.9%) patients in a mean time of 12.0 ± 8.1 months. There was no statistically significant difference in failure rate between different agents. A 50% dose reduction could be achieved in 65 (50.4%) patients with the mean time to achieve it of 10.4 ±9.1 months. Thirteen (10.1%) patients stopped biologics completely. Current smoking [HR:3.67 95%CI:1.50-9.00, p:0.04] and higher DAS28 at initiation of taper [HR:1.93 95%CI:1.11-3.36, p:0.020] were predictive of taper failure. All but 3 of the 36 patients who failed taper, responded on reverting to their previous treatment regime. Anti B-cell therapy:The 55 patients on Rituximab were tapered to a lower dose or had their interval lengthened. Over 98.6 patient-years follow up (mean follow up: 21.5 ± 11.3 months). Mean dose reduction achieved was 62.2 ± 19.9 %. Mean interval between RTX infusions was 12.9 ± 6.4 months. We have managed to save nearly £800,000 over the 3 years with tapering of biologics in this cohort of RA patients compared to the standard dose. Conclusion Successful tapering of biologic therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is feasible and safe in majority of patients who are in clinical and imaging remission. Current smoking and baseline high DAS28 predicted taper failure for anti-cytokine biologics. This can be safely managed by reverting to the original dosing in most patients. Disclosure H. Muhammed VK: None. A. Yau: None. G. Hirsch: None. T. Sheeran: None. S. Venkatachalam: None.

Propensity for Clinically Meaningful Improvement and Surgical Failure After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair.

Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) confers an alternative to ACL reconstruction in appropriately selected patients. To prospectively assess survivorship and to define the clinically meaningful outcomes after ACL repair. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Included were consecutive patients with Sherman grade 1-2 tears who underwent primary ACL repair with or without suture augmentation between 2017 and 2019. Patient-reported outcomes (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] subscales) were collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution-based method, whereas the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were calculated using an anchor-based method. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. A total of 120 patients were included. The overall failure rate was 11.3% at 2 years postoperatively. Changes in outcome scores required to achieve the MCID ranged between 5.1 and 14.3 at 6 months, 4.6 and 8.4 at 1 year, and 4.7 and 11.9 at 2 years postoperatively. Thresholds for PASS achievement ranged between 62.5 and 89 at 6 months, 75 and 89 at 1 year, and 78.6 and 93.2 at 2 years postoperatively. Threshold scores (absolute/change based) for achieving the SCB ranged between 82.8 and 96.4/17.7 and 40.1 at 6 months, between 94.7 and 100/23 and 45 at 1 year, and between 95.3 and 100/29.4 and 45 at 2 years. More patients achieved the MCID and PASS at 1 year compared with 6 months and 2 years. For SCB, this trend was also observed for non-KOOS outcomes, while for KOOS subdomains, more patients achieved the SCB at 2 years. High-intensity signal of the ACL repair (odds ratio [OR], 31.7 [95% CI, 1.5-73.4]; P = .030) and bone contusions on MRI (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.7-25.2]; P = .041) at 1 year postoperatively were independently associated with increased risk of ACL repair failure. The rate of clinically meaningful outcome improvement was high early after ACL repair, with the greatest proportion of patients achieving the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 1 year postoperatively. Bone contusions involving the posterolateral tibia and lateral femoral condyle as well as high repair signal intensity at 1 year postoperatively were independent predictors of failure at 2 years postoperatively.

Risk factors for fixation failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing: a retrospective study of 251 patients.

This study aimed to identify the variables associated with fixation failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing (CMN). We retrospectively analyzed 251 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between January 2016 and July 2019. In order to identify predictors of failure (cut-out, cut-through, and/or nonunion), we analyzed: gender, age, fracture stability (according to the AO/OTA Classification), femoral neck angle (FNA), FNA as compared to the contralateral hip, lag screw position, and tip-apex distance (TAD). The failure rate was 9.6%: there were 10 cut-outs (4%), 7 non-unions (2.8%), and 7 cut-throughs (2.8%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for fixation failure were: female sex (p= 0.018), FNA <125° (p= 0.003), a difference in FNA of 7.5° as compared to the contralateral hip on the lateral radiograph (p= <0.0001), superior (p= 0.0141) and anterior position (p= <0.0001) of the lag screw, and TAD >25mm (p= 0.016). According to the multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 12.92 ; p 0.0019), the difference in FNA on the lateral view (OR 1.36; p < 0.001), and the anterior position of the screw in the femoral head (OR14.01;p <0.001) were confirmed as independent predictors of failure. In order to avoid failures in intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with CMN, this study confirmed the importance of achieving an accurate reduction on the lateral plane and avoiding the anterior position of the screw on the femoral head.

A 20-Year Retrospective Study of Children and Adolescents Treated by the Three-in-One Procedure for Patellar Realignment.

Patellar instability is the most common disorder of the knee during childhood and adolescence. Surgical treatment significantly reduces the rate of redislocation, but the underlying pathologies and pattern of instability may affect the results. We aimed to report the clinical and functional outcomes of the three-in-one procedure for patellar realignment in a cohort of skeletally immature patients with or without syndromes and various patterns of chronic patellar instability. We retrospectively investigated 126 skeletally immature patients (168 knees) affected by idiopathic or syndromic patellar instability, who underwent patella realignment through a three-in-one procedure. We classified the instability according to the score proposed by Parikh and Lykissas. Patellar dislocation was idiopathic in 71 patients (94 knees; 56.0%) and syndromic in 55 (74 knees; 44.0%). The mean age at surgery was 11.5 years (range 4-18) and was significantly lower in syndromic patients. Syndromic patients also exhibited more severe clinical pattern at presentation, based on the Parikh and Lykissas score. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (range 1.0-15.4). Redislocation occurred in 19 cases, with 10 cases requiring further realignment. The Parikh and Lykissas score and the presence of congenital ligamentous laxity were independent predictors of failure. A total of 22 knees in 18 patients required additional surgical procedures. The post-operative Kujala score was significantly lower in patients with syndromic patellar instability. The type of instability and the presence of underlying syndromes negatively affect the rate of redislocation and the clinical and functional outcome following patellar realignment through the three-in-one procedure. We recommend the consideration of alternative surgical strategies, especially in children with severe syndromic patellar dislocation.

Distance to Dislocation and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Rethinking the Glenoid Track Concept

Background: The “distance to dislocation” (DTD) calculation has been proposed as 1 method to predict the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair for an “on-track” shoulder. Rates of recurrent dislocation at specific DTD values are unknown. Hypothesis: Among patients with “on-track” shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair, the rate of recurrent dislocation would increase as DTD values decrease. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients with “on-track” shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic anterior labral repair between 2007 and 2019, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs interval, glenoid track, and DTD were determined from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. The rate of recurrent dislocation was determined at 2-mm DTD intervals. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between recurrent dislocation, patient characteristics, and bone loss variables. A multivariate regression model was created to predict the probability of failure at continuous DTD values. A subgroup analysis of failure rate based on collision sports participation was also performed. Results: A total of 29 patients (15.4%) sustained recurrent dislocations. Patient age (P = .046), multiple dislocations (P = .03), glenoid bone loss (P < .001), Hill-Sachs interval length (P < .001), and DTD (P < .001) were all independent predictors of failure. As the DTD decreased, the rate of recurrent dislocation increased. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the recurrent dislocation rate increased exponentially. Up to a threshold of 24 mm, the failure rate for collision athletes remained >12.3%, independent of the DTD. Conversely, the failure rate among noncollision athletes decreased steadily as the DTD increased. Conclusion: For “on-track” shoulder lesions, as the DTD approached 0 mm (“off-track” threshold), the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair increased significantly. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the risk of failure increased exponentially. The risk of recurrent dislocation for collision sports athletes remained elevated at higher DTD values than for noncollision athletes.

BIOM-18. CLINICOGENOMIC PREDICTORS FOR THE PATTERN OF FAILURE IN HIGH-GRADE GLIOMA

Abstract Background High-grade gliomas, the most common primary brain tumors, are highly lethal and treatment options remain limited. Despite advances in genomic technologies, there are few molecular biomarkers to guide precision medicine for high-grade glioma. Here, we aimed to identify the clinicogenomic features associated with its prognosis and recurrence patterns. MATERIALS/METHODS Our single-institution retrospective analysis included 182 patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas who underwent next-generation sequencing targeting 82 brain tumor-relevant genes. Clinicopathological status, treatment characteristics, survival, and genomic profiles were analyzed. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 23 months (range, 2-229 months), 151 patients (83%) had progression or recurrences. Local and distant recurrences were observed in 132 (72.5%) and 101 (54.9%) patients, respectively. The most common genomic variants in high-grade gliomas were TP53 (42.9%), IDH1/2 (23.1%), TERT promoter (38.5%), ATRX (13.2%), H3F3A (7.1%), and SETD2 (6.0%) mutation. Regarding copy number variants, amplification of EGFR (20.9%), PDGFRA (9.9%), MYCN (2.2%) and loss of CDKN2A/2B (49.5%), PTEN (37.9%), RB1 (17.6%), and 1p19q codeletion(9.3%) were the most common copy number aberrations. On multivariate cox regression anlalysis, MYCN amplification (HR 6.08 95% CI 1.91-19.35, p = 0.002), and SETD2 mutation (HR 0.19 95% CI 0.06-0.62, p =0.06) were independent predictors of overall survival, in relation to previously established prognostic factors including age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) scale, extent of resection, MGMT promoter methylation, and IDH1/2 mutation. Interestingly, MYCN amplification (HR 5.24 95% CI 1.69-16.27, p = 0.004), SETD2 mutation (HR 0.35 95% CI 0.12-0.99, p =0.048) were independent predictors of failure from distant recurrences. CONCLUSION The assessment of genomic characteristics in conjunction with pattern of failure for high-grade glioma aids to identify patients who are likely to benefit from personalized medicine. We identified SETD2 mutation, and MYCN as a prognostic biomarkers with potential therapeutic implications in patients with high-grade glioma.

Real-World Experience With a Large Bore Vascular Closure Device During TAVI Procedure: Features and Predictors of Access-Site Vascular Complications.

BackgroundsAmong vascular closure devices (VCDs), the novel collagen plug-based MANTA VCD is the first designed for large bore percutaneous access. We aimed to assess the features and predictors of access-site vascular complications in an unselected trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) population.MethodsPatients undergoing large bore arteriotomy closure with 18F MANTA VCD following TF-TAVR at a large tertiary care center from September 2019 to January 2021 were prospectively analyzed. Primary Outcome was the MANTA VCD access-site-related complications according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC) definitions. Its incidence and predictors were evaluated.ResultsEighty-eight patients (median age 82 years, 48% male, 3.3 median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score) undergoing TF-TAVR were included, mostly (63%) treated with a self-expandable device and with outer diameter sizes varied from 18F to 24-F. MANTA VCD technical success rate was 98%, while 10 patients (11%) experienced MANTA VCD access-site vascular complications which included 8% of minor complications and only to 2% of major events resulting in VARC type ≥2 bleeding. Vessel occlusion/stenosis (60%), perforation (20%), and pseudoaneurysm/dissection/hematoma (20%) occurred, but all were managed without surgical treatment. Independent predictors of failure were age (p = 0.04), minimum common femoral artery diameter (CFA) (p < 0.01), sheath-to-femoral-artery ratio (SFAR) (p < 0.01), and a lower puncture height (p = 0.03). A CFA diameter <7.1 mm with a SFAR threshold of 1.01 were associated with VCD failure.ConclusionsIn a more comers TF-TAVR population, MANTA VCD was associated with reassuring rates of technical success and major access-site vascular complications. Avoiding lower vessel size and less puncture site distance to CFA bifurcation might further improve outcomes.

The impact of partially absorbable midurethral slings in stress urinary incontinence surgery: A cohort study.

To evaluate the performance of retropubic midurethral slings (MUS) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at a certified continence center and to identify risk factors for sling failure. This was a single-center cohort study including women who underwent a retropubic MUS procedure for SUI between 2012 and 2019 with a follow up of 12months. Primary end point was cure of SUI assessed using the validated questionnaire International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify risk factors for sling failure. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used as paired samples tests. The significance level was set at 5%. A total of 662 women with a median age of 65years (interquartile range 19years) were included in the investigation; 523 (79.0%) presented with complicated SUI. Cure was reported by 213 (32.2%) women. Independent predictors for failure were obesity, pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder, postoperative sling adjustment, and use of partially absorbable mesh, which was correlated with a 56% decrease in the odds for achieving cure. This investigation questions the role of partially absorbable mesh for stress urinary incontinence procedures and scrutinizes the use of implants with inadequate clinical evidence.

The 3-year cumulative survival rates of posterior monolithic zirconia crowns and their antagonist teeth, and their influencing factors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3-year cumulative survival rates of posterior single monolithic zirconia crowns (MZCs) and their antagonists, and to analyze the influencing factors. The clinical outcomes of posterior single MZCs and their abutment teeth with antagonists, and the antagonists between April 2014 and September 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. The 3-year cumulative survival rates were calculated and associations between the survival time and predictor variables ("Jaw", "Tooth", and "Pulpal condition") were also verified using Cox proportional hazards models and hazard ratios (HRs). The 3-year cumulative survival rate of single MZCs was 89.8% (9 of 177 MZCs, 95% confidence interval (CI): 80.0-95.1%). Cox proportional hazards models showed non-vital teeth were significantly associated with failure (HR: 2.76e + 9, P = 0.012). The 3-year cumulative survival rate of antagonists was 94.8% (7 of 171 antagonists, 95% CI: 89.3-97.6%). Non-vital antagonists were also identified as an independent predictor for failure in Cox proportional hazards models (HR: 7.83, P = 0.03). Although posterior single MZCs were clinically acceptable, non-vital pulpal condition could be a potential risk factor for failures in the abutment and antagonist teeth of MZCs.

Nasal Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: An Experience in a Neonatal Unit in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Pokhara

Introduction: Nasal bubble continuous positive airway pressure (NBCPAP) is a modality used for respiratory distress in newborns and provides respiratory support by preventing atelectasis and reducing the work of breathing. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy, outcomes and complications of NBCPAP in term and preterm newborns requiring NBCPAP. Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted on 75 neonates with mild to moderate respiratory distress requiring respiratory support from August 2020 to December 2020. Assessment of baseline characteristics, indications, complications and outcomes of NBCPAP was carried out on the studied newborns. Outcomes were considered as either success (improvement) or failure (need for mechanical ventilation). Results: The median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR:35-39 weeks). The median birth weight was 2600 gm (IQR: 2000- 3000 gm). The commonest indication for the requirement of NBCPAP was neonatal sepsis (34%). A total of 65 (86.7%) neonates could be successfully weaned off NBCPAP. Complications were noted in 23 neonates. Modified Downes score on admission (adjusted OR 5.34, 95% CI 1.75- 16.35) and gestational age (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51- 0.92) were independent predictors of failure of NBCPAP. Conclusions: NBCPAP can be successfully utilised in preterm and term babies with mild to moderate respiratory distress. The major predictors of failure of NBCPAP are decreasing gestational age and increasing Downes score.

Prognosis of unexpected positive intraoperative cultures in arthroplasty revision: A large multicenter cohort

BackgroundThe positive-intraoperative-cultures-type prosthetic joint infection (PIOC-PJI) is considered when surgical cultures yield microorganisms in presumed aseptic arthroplasty revisions. Herein we assess the risk factors for failure in the largest cohort of PIOC-PJI patients reported to date. MethodsA retrospective, observational, multicenter study was performed during 2007–2017. Surgeries leading to diagnose PIOC-PJI included only one-stage procedures with either complete or partial prosthesis revision. Failure was defined as recurrence caused by the same microorganism. Results203 cases were included (age 72 years, 52% females). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 125, 62%) was the main etiology, but some episodes were caused by virulent bacteria (n = 51, 25%). Prosthesis complete and partial revision was performed in 93 (46%) and 110 (54%) cases, respectively. After a median of 3.4 years, failure occurred in 17 episodes (8.4%, 95%CI 5.3–13.1). Partial revision was an independent predictor of failure (HR 3.63; 95%CI 1.03–12.8), adjusted for gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infection (HR 2.68; 95%CI 0.91–7.89) and chronic renal impairment (HR 2.40; 95%CI 0.90–6.44). Treatment with biofilm-active antibiotics (rifampin/fluoroquinolones) had a favorable impact on infections caused by staphylococci and GNB. ConclusionOverall prognosis of PIOC-PJI is good, but close follow-up is required in cases of partial revision and in infections caused by GNB.

On-Track Lesions with a Small Distance to Dislocation Are Associated with Failure After Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization.

Off-track lesions are strongly associated with failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. However, on-track lesions with a small distance-to-dislocation (DTD) value, or "near-track lesions," also may be at risk for failure. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association of DTD with failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. We performed a retrospective analysis of 173 individuals who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2007 and 2015. Glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs lesion size were measured with use of previously reported methods. Patients with failure were defined as those who sustained a dislocation after the index procedure, whereas controls were defined as individuals who did not. DTD was defined as the distance from the medial edge of the Hill-Sachs lesion to the medial edge of the glenoid track. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for DTD to determine the critical threshold that would best predict failure. The study population was subdivided into individuals ≥20 years old and <20 years old. Twenty-eight patients (16%) sustained a recurrent dislocation following Bankart repair. Increased glenoid bone loss (p < 0.001), longer Hill-Sachs lesion length (p < 0.001), and decreased DTD (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of failure. ROC curve analysis of DTD alone demonstrated that a threshold value of 8 mm could best predict failure (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73). DTD had strong predictive power (AUC = 0.84) among individuals ≥20 years old and moderate predictive power (AUC = 0.69) among individuals <20 years old. Decreasing values of DTD were associated with a stepwise increase in the failure rate. A "near-track" lesion with a DTD of <8 mm, particularly in individuals ≥20 years old, may be predictive of failure following arthroscopic Bankart repair. When using the glenoid track concept as the basis for surgical decision-making, clinicians may need to consider the DTD value as a continuous variable to estimate failure instead of using a binary on-track/off-track designation. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

Caregiver Prediction of Driving Fitness in Older Adults with Dementia

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine whether caregiver opinion of fitness to drive and the level of assistance needed for functional activities are useful in determining the need for a Comprehensive Driving Evaluation. Methods: This study examined a sample (N = 179) of drivers with dementia. Caregivers completed a questionnaire that included caregiver opinion of driving fitness and the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ). A univariate simple logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship of road test failure with caregiver opinion of driving fitness and FAQ scores. From the significant predictive variables from the univariate test, multiple logictic regression models were used to examine possible combination of variables as predictors of road test failure. Results: The combination of caregiver opinion of driving fitness and the FAQ sub-item for memory were found to have modest ability in predicting failure on a standardized on-road driving assessment (AUC 0.727). Conclusions: Caregiver opinion of driving fitness and most individual higher order activities of daily living were found to be independent predictors of failure on a standardized road test. Clinical Implications: Caregiver opinion of driving fitness and ratings of functional activities may be useful for families and clinicians in considering whether an adult with dementia should be more carefully assessed for fitness to drive.

Office hysteroscopy in pre- and post-menopausal women: a predictive model

Objectives To assess the variables associated with success of office hysteroscopy (OH) in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women and to develop a clinical model for predicting the outcome of OH. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients (n = 3181) referred for an OH to a tertiary care university hospital between January 2018 and March 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the variables for predicting the success of OH in all patients and in pre-menopausal and in post-menopausal patients separately. The logistic regression analysis of each variable was applied to develop a predictive model. Results The overall success rate of the procedure was 92.2%; 95.4% in pre-menopausal women and 87.6% in post-menopausal women. In the general population, independent predictors of procedure success were previous vaginally delivery and hysteroscopy, while previous cervical or uterine surgery were associated with incomplete OH. In the pre-menopausal group, the independent predictors of failure were treatment with GnRH, estroprogestins and infertility. In 89% of cases, our developed model was able to predict whether an OH would be successful in a particular patient. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.8746 (95% CI: 0.85354–0.89557). Conclusions The present study demonstrates the development of a simple and reliable clinical model for the identification of both pre-menopausal and menopausal patients with a high chance of OH success.

Assessment of diaphragm dysfunction during cardiac rehabilitation after heart surgery: the role of ultrasound imaging

Abstract Background Diaphragm dysfunction is a frequent and underdiagnosed complication of cardiac surgery. It can cause dyspnoea, decreased exercise performance and, in more severe cases, respiratory failure. Ultrasonography (US) is a valuable, non-invasive technique for the assessment of diaphragm function. Only few trials have been conducted using US to evaluate diaphragm functional recovery after cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). Purpose The aim of the study was to assess with US the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction after heart surgery and to define the impact of an inpatient CR programme on diaphragm functional recovery. Methods We performed a single-centre prospective cohort study, enrolling 185 patients hospitalized in our CR unit: 99 patients underwent mitral valve repair or replacement, 28 tricuspid valve repair or replacement, 53 aortic valve replacement, 30 coronary artery bypass grafting, 59 combined surgery and 14 other surgical procedures. Diaphragm US was performed at admission and after 10 rehabilitative sessions. We assess the following parameters on quiet breathing: excursion, time of inspiration, time of a respiratory cycle and contraction velocity (slope) in M-mode on the right anterior subcostal projections and thickening fraction (TF) in B-mode on the right intercostal projections. TF was defined as [(thickness at end inspiration–thickness at end expiration)/thickness at end expiration]. Results The median excursion at admission was 1.6 cm. Patients with excursion &amp;lt;2 cm (lower limit for the general population) were considered with diaphragm dysfunction. Following cardiac surgery, the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction was 70.8%. Patients with excursion &amp;lt;2 cm at admission gained an important benefit from CR, with a significant improvement in TF (p&amp;lt;0.001), excursion (p&amp;lt;0.001), time of inspiration (p&amp;lt;0.001), time of a respiratory cycle (p&amp;lt;0.001) and slope (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conversely, in patients with excursion ≥2 cm there was no significant improvement in slope (p=0.539) and excursion (p=0.179). At the final assessment, diaphragm function recovered in 50.5% of the patients, whilst 49.5% had a failure of recovery (excursion relative change between admission and discharge &amp;lt;33%). The multivariate analysis identified combined surgery (OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.59–5.99, p=0.001) and post-surgical pneumothorax (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.23–7.55, p=0.036) as independent predictors of failure of diaphragm function recovery. Conclusions US might be a valuable tool for initial and follow-up assessment of patients after cardiac surgery. CR has been shown to be an effective strategy to improve diaphragm parameters in patients with post-surgical dysfunction. Patients undergoing combined surgery or developing post-surgical pneumothorax might benefit from a personalised rehabilitation programme to improve diaphragm function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None