Independent Predictor Of Poor Outcome Research Articles

A potential novel inflammation biomarker for predicting the prognosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis

Objective This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of the lymphocyte (LYM)-to-white blood cell (WBC) ratio (LWR) in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC). Methods This study was conducted by recruiting 214 patients with DLC with different aetiologies (development cohort). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess the predictive accuracy of the LWR, and Youden’s index was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of the LWR based on the ROC curve. Next, patients were divided into high- and low-LWR groups according to the cut-off values. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors for the 1-, 3- and 6-month mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to determine and visualize the association between LWR and the risk of death. We verified the predictive ability of LWR in the validation cohort of 139 patients. Results In the development cohort, there were 16 (7.5%), 22 (10.3%) and 30 patients (14.0%) who died at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. The LWR was significantly lower in non-survivors than in survivors and was an independent predictor of poor outcomes. The ROC analyses with the Delong test showed that the LWR had comparable predictive power with the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, neutrophil-to-LYM ratio (NLR) and Chronic Liver Failure consortium score for acute decompensated (CLIF-C ADs). RCS showed a non-linear relationship between the LWR and the risk of death at 1 and 3 months, whereas a linear relationship was observed between the LWR and the risk of death at 6 months. We verified that the decreased LWR was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes at 3-, and 6-month follow-up endpoints in the validation cohort. Conclusions Our findings indicate that a lower LWR is an independent factor for unfavourable outcomes and may serve as a potential novel prognostic predictor in patients with DLC. KEY MESSAGES This study is the first report on the prognostic value of the lymphocyte (LYM)-to-white blood cell (WBC) ratio (LWR) in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC). Decreased LWR is an independent factor for adverse outcomes in patients with DLC.

Predictors of Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating condition with high mortality and morbidity. Significant factors influencing the prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) include the severity at presentation of the disease and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI).
 Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal among patients who underwent clipping of aneurysm for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Various clinical and radiological prognostic factors were registered on admission and during the intensive care stay. Outcome was recorded. GOS>3 was considered good outcome and GOS ≤3 was considered poor outcome.
 Results: Seventy-two patients with ruptured aneurysm were surgically clipped. Good outcome was observed in 51 (70.83%) patients while poor outcome was seen among 21 (29.17%) patients including death among 16 (22.2%) patients. In univariate analysis, WFNS>2, Fisher grade >2, EVD placement for hydrocephalus and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) were found to have statistically significant in poor outcome. On Multivariate logistic regression model showed delayed cerebral ischemia was statistically significant predictor of poor outcome at p= 0.032 (OR= 7.34; 95% CI=1.280 to 17.702).
 Conclusion: WFNS >2, Fisher grade>2, EVD placement and DCI were found to have statistical significance in poor outcome while only DCI was an independent predictor of poor outcome following aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH).

Intramural Component of Venous, Lymphatic, and Perineural Invasion in Colon Cancer: A Threat or an Illusion?

Extramural venous invasion is an independent predictor of poor outcome in colorectal cancer, whereas the significance of the intramural component of venous and lymphatic and perineural invasion is unclear. To evaluate the prognostic impact of intramural components for venous, lymphatic, and perineural invasions and the relation of these invasion patterns with clinicopathological features in patients with colon cancer. A retrospective cross-sectional study. The analysis included 626 patients with colon cancer in stages II and III. All patients were divided into four categories (no invasion, intramural invasion only, extramural invasion only, or both intramural and extramural invasions) for vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion and perineural invasion. The primary outcomes were 5-year disease-free and overall survival. Right-sided (for vascular invasion, 24.7% vs. 33.9%, p = 0.007; for perineural invasion, 34.5% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.034) and dMMR tumors (for vascular invasion, 13.5% vs. 33.5, p < 0.001; for perineural invasion, 25% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.004) exhibited less venous and perineural invasion. Compared with no invasion, presence of intramural invasion only, did not exert any effect on disease-free or overall survival for vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, and perineural invasion. Multivariate analyses revealed that the presence of both intramural and extramural invasion was independently associated with poor disease-free and overall survival for venous (hazard ratios: 2.39, p = 0.001; hazard ratios: 2.46, p = 0.001), lymphatic (hazard ratios: 2.456, p < 0.001; hazard ratios: 2.13, p = 0.02) and perineural invasion (hazard ratios: 2.99, p < 0.001; hazard ratios: 2.68, p < 0.001), respectively. Our data strongly advocates the importance of reporting intramural and extramural components of invasion since the presence of intramural invasion alone may not be considered as a high-risk factor for systemic recurrence.

Patterns and Predictors of Timely Presentation and Outcomes of Polytrauma Patients Referred to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania

Polytrauma patients require special facilities to care for their injuries. In HICs, these patients are rapidly transferred from the scene or the first-health facility directly to a trauma center. However, in many LMICs, prehospital systems do not exist and there are long delays between arrivals at the first-health facility and the trauma center. We aimed to quantify the delay and determine the predictors of mortality among polytrauma patients. Methodology. We consecutively enrolled adult polytrauma patients (≥18 years) with ISS >15 referred to the Emergency Medicine Department of Muhimbili National Hospital, a major trauma center in Tanzania between August 2019 and January 2020. Based on a pilot study, the arrival of >6 hours after injury was considered a delay. The outcome of interest was factors associated with delayed presentation and the association of timeliness with 7-day mortality. We enrolled 120 (4.5%) referred polytrauma adult patients. The median age was 30 years (IQR 25-39) and the ISS was 29 (IQR 24-34). The majority (85%) were males. While the median time from injury to first-health facility was 40 minutes (IQR 33-50), the median time from injury to arrival at EMD-MNH, was 377 minutes (IQR 314-469). Delayed presentation was noted in more than half (54.2%) of participants, with the odds of dying being 1.4 times higher in the delayed group (95% CI 0.3-5.6). Having a GCS <8 (AOR 16.3 (95% CI 3.1-86.3), hypoxia <92% (AOR 8.3 (95% CI 1.4-50.9), and hypotension <90 mmHg (R 7.3 (95% CI 1.6-33.6) were all independent predictors of mortality. The majority of polytrauma patients arrive at the tertiary facilities delayed for more than 6 hours and a distance of more than 8 km between facilities is associated with delay. Hypotension, hypoxia, and GCS of less than 8 are independent predictors of poor outcome. In the interim, there is a need to expedite the transfer of polytrauma patients to trauma care capable centers.

ODP632 Preadmission Use Of Antidiabetic Medications And Mortality Among Patients With Covid-19 Having Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Diabetes is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. We compared the effects of the preadmission use of antidiabetic medications on the in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 having type 2 diabetes. Methods A systematic search was performed until November 30, 2021. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled OR (95% CI). Results We included 61 studies (3,061,584 individuals). We found some medications protective against COVID-related death, including metformin, GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i. DPP-4i and insulin users were more likely to die during hospitalization. SU, TZD, and AGI were mortality neutral. Metformin use was associated with better outcome in a dose-response manner. Conclusions Metformin, GLP-1RA, and SGLT-2i were associated with lower mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 having type 2 diabetes. DPP-4i and insulin were linked to increased mortality. SU, TZD and AGI were mortality neutral. Presentation: No date and time listed

COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections among Patients Aged ≥65 Years in Serbia: Morbidity and Mortality Overview.

BACKGROUND: Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have shown effectiveness in the prevention of COVID-19. Breakthrough infections occur, and age has been shown to be one of the dominant risk factors for poorer outcome. This research focuses on characteristics of breakthrough infections in older adults. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted for four months (March−June 2021) in the autonomous province of Vojvodina in Serbia on 11,372 patients using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests verifying COVID-19 in those aged ≥65 years. Demographics, comorbidities, disease severity, and final outcomes were evaluated in fully vaccinated compared to unvaccinated individuals. Individuals were divided into younger-old (65−74 years) and older-old (≥75 years) age groups and differences between those groups were further evaluated. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of poor outcome. RESULTS: By the end of the research, 51.3% of the population of APV 65−74 years, as well as 46.2% of those older than 74 years, were vaccinated. From the acquired sample, 17.4% had breakthrough infection. Asymptomatic forms were higher in both age groups of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated (3.9%—younger-old, 6.3%—older-old vs. 2.9%—younger-old, 3.9%—older-old). The same results were registered with mild symptoms (82.1%—younger-old, 68.1%—older-old vs. 76.3%—younger-old, 57.5%—older-old) (p < 0.001). The case fatality ratio of the vaccinated population was smaller than the unvaccinated population in both groups (3.1% vs. 7.9%—younger-old; 11.4% vs. 22.5%—older-old) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for poor outcome in unvaccinated individuals was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, p < 0.001) for the total sample. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in asymptomatic and mild forms, as well as decrease in severe or critical forms and poor outcomes, were noted in the vaccinated population. Choosing to avoid vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may increase the chance of poor outcome in older individuals.

Incidence and Predictors of Liver-Related Events in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest type of liver disease worldwide. We aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of liver-related events (LREs) and mortality in NAFLD patients. NAFLD patients (n= 957) evaluated between January2000 and November2021 were included. Patients were categorised as noncirrhosis (NC), compensated cirrhosis (CC) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC), and the incidence of LRE and mortality were estimated and compared. The proportions of NC, CCand DC were 87.8% (n= 840), 8.8% (n= 84) and 3.4% (n= 33), respectively. The median follow-up duration was 3.9 (3.0-5.7) years, and the total cumulative duration was 4633 person-years. The incidence of LRE per 100 person-years was 0.14, 2.72 and 10.24 in patients with NC, CCand DC, respectively. The incidence of mortality was 0.12, 1.05 and 4.24 per 100 person-years, respectively, in the 3 groups. The causes of mortality in the 3 groups were liver related in 1/5 (20%), 3/4 (75%) and 6/9 (66.7%), respectively. Overall, the mortality rate was higher in those with diabetes than those without diabetes (log-rank P value=0.005). On further analysis, diabetes was associated with poor outcomes only in NC group (log-rank P value=0.036), and not in CC (log-rank P value=0.353) or DC groups (log-rank P value=0.771). On multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.070), hypertension (HR 4.361) and DC (HR 15.036) were independent predictors of poor outcomes. Liver stiffness measurement, bilirubin, CC and DC were independent predictors of LRE. In our study of NAFLD from India, the incidence of LRE was found to be similar to that seen in Western studies. In NC NAFLD, diabetes was associated with poor outcomes.

Time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy serves an independent prognostic indicator in children with nosocomial Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection

We tend to investigate the connection between time to appropriate therapy (TTAT) and prognosis in pediatric patients with nosocomial Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bloodstream infection, and find the optimal cutoff point for the empirical administration of antimicrobials. This retrospective study was conducted in Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, and inpatients with nosocomial K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection were finally enrolled. We applied the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis to find the TTAT cutoff point and the Logistic Regression analysis to evaluate prognostic indicators. The incidence of septic shock and mortality was 17.91% (12/67) and 13.43% (9/67), respectively. The CART-derived TTAT cutoff point was 10.7 h. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated delayed therapy (TTAT ≥ 10.7 h), pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) III scores ≥ 10, time to positivity (TTP) ≤ 13 h, and requiring for invasive mechanical ventilation were independently associated with the incidence of septic shock (Odds ratio [OR] 9.87, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.46–66.59, P = 0.019; OR 9.69, 95% CI 1.15–81.39, P = 0.036; OR 8.28, 95% CI 1.37–50.10, P = 0.021; OR 6.52, 95% CI 1.08–39.51, P = 0.042; respectively) and in-hospital mortality (OR 22.19, 95% CI 1.25–393.94, P = 0.035; OR 40.06, 95% CI 2.32–691.35, P = 0.011; OR 22.60, 95% CI 1.78–287.27, P = 0.016; OR 12.21, 95% CI 1.06–140.67, P = 0.045; respectively).Conclusions TTAT is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in children with nosocomial K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection. Initial appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be administrated timely and within 10.7 h from the onset of bloodstream infection is recommended.

Developing a new preoperative iron-deficiency anaemia service for major gynaecological surgery – improving multiple patient outcomes

Background: Preoperative anaemia is an independent predictor of poorer outcomes after surgery. Alongside this, allogeneic blood transfusion is also associated with increased complications and length of stay. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is frequently found in patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery. Together with surgical blood loss, blood transfusions are therefore common. The national transfusion rate for hysterectomy is 9%.1 We recognised the need for a dedicated service for the management of preoperative IDA, developing it over several quality improvement (QIP) cycles.

Survival of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia-a single-center experience.

The aim of the study was to determine the survival probability of critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection who needed mechanical ventilation and to determine the efficacy of Tocilizumab use. The study was designed as a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients older than 18 years, treated in an intensive care unit. The criteria for admission to the intensive care unit was severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. All patients received corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone 1-2 mg/kg). Tocilizumab was used at a dose of 8 mg/kg in patients with a severe form of the disease (onset, or developed ARDS), followed by cytokine storm (IL-6 ≥ 40 ng/L and CRP ≥ 50 mg/L). 88 patients were included in the study. Intrahospital mortality was 48.86%. No statistically significant difference was observed between patients with and without tocilizumab therapy. In the group of patients in whom this therapy was applied, the values of intrahospital survival were 45.7%, while in the group without this therapy the probability of intrahospital survival was only 0.93%. The probability of survival in the group with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was 94.7%, while in the group with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) 0.78%. The duration of symptoms before hospitalization (RR-1.088 CI 1.025-1.155, p < 0.05), as well as the duration of IMV (RR-0.906 CI 0.841-0.976, p < 0.05), were shown to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. The mortality of patients with the most severe form of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 infection remains high. Independent predictors of poor outcomes were needed for invasive mechanical ventilation and the duration of symptoms before hospitalization or late initiation of appropriate therapy.

Outcomes Following Mechanical Thrombectomy in Different Etiological Subtypes of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion : Stroke Etiology and Outcome after EVT in BAO.

Vertebrobasilar occlusion stroke (VBOS) is innately associated with high morbimortality despite advances in endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Nonetheless, notable outcome dissimilarities exist between angiographically categorized stroke subtypes. We aim to evaluate potential differences concerning clinical angiographic outcomes among etiological subtypes of VBOS based on the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. We retrospectively reviewed prospective EVT databases at two tertiary care stroke centers for consecutive patients with VBOS who had preinterventional MRI and underwent EVT from January 2015 to December 2019. We identified three groups: large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolic stroke (CES), and embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The primary endpoints were the rates of poor outcome (identified as 90-day modified Rankin scale score of 3-6) and mortality, while the secondary endpoint included the rates of incomplete reperfusion (identified as modified treatment in cerebral infarction scale mTICI 0-2b), and periprocedural symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We evaluated the association between the etiology and clinical angiographic outcomes through stepwise logistic regression analysis. Out of 1823 patients, 139 (91men; median age, 69 (61-76) years) with VBOS were qualified for the final analysis with incidence as follows: LAA (41%, n = 57), CES (35%, n = 48), and ESUS (24%, n = 34). Overall, incomplete reperfusion was realized in 41% (57/139) of the patients, apoor outcome in 65% (90/139), and mortality in 40% (55/139). Longer puncture to reperfusion interval (aOR 1.0182 [95% CI: 1.008-1.029]; p < 0.001) and utilization of combined aspiration-retriever technique (aOR 0.1998 [95% CI: 0.066-0.604]; p = 0.004) were associated with agreater likelihood of incomplete reperfusion (mTICI 0-2b) irrespective of the stroke etiology. After adjustment for confounding factors in the regression analysis, ESUS was an independent predictor of poor outcome (aOR 5.315 [95% CI: 1.646-17.163]; p = 0.005) and mortality (aOR 4.667 [95% CI: 1.883-11.564]; p < 0.001) at 90days following EVT. The functional outcome following EVT for VBOS might depend on stroke etiology. According to our results, ESUS seems to be associated with the worst outcome, which needs further investigation to tailor the appropriate therapeutic plan.

Prognostic factors in primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive extranodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Despite its apparent immunopathological homogeneity, PCNSL displays a wide variability in outcome. Identifying prognostic factors is of importance for patient stratification and clinical decision-making. The purpose of this review is to focus on the clinical, neuroradiological and biological variables correlated with the prognosis at the time of diagnosis in immunocompetent patients. Age and performance status remain the most consistent clinical prognostic factors. The current literature suggests that neurocognitive dysfunction is an independent predictor of poor outcome. Cumulating data support the prognostic value of increased interleukin-10 level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in addition to its interest as a diagnostic biomarker. Advances in neuroimaging and in omics have identified several semi-quantitative radiological features (apparent diffusion restriction measures, dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI (pMRI) pattern and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism) and molecular genetic alterations with prognostic impact in PCNSL. Validation of new biologic and neuroimaging markers in prospective studies is required before integrating future prognostic scoring systems. In the era of radiomic, large clinicoradiological and molecular databases are needed to develop multimodal artificial intelligence algorithms for the prediction of accurate outcome.

Thrombin generation as a predictor of outcomes in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10-15% of all strokes and leads to a higher rate of mortality as compared to ischemic strokes. We aimed to find out whether the thrombin generation assay (TGA) could predict outcomes in patients with ICH. In this prospective, observational study, 87 consecutive patients with ICH and 164 healthy controls were included. Computed tomography (CT), detailed clinical investigation, and laboratory investigations were performed from patients on admission. TGA was performed using stored platelet poor plasma obtained on admission. Lag time, endogen thrombin potential (ETP), peak thrombin, and time to peak parameters were calculated. Short- and long-term outcomes of ICH were defined at 14 days and 3 months post-event according to the NIHSS and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), respectively. Peak thrombin was significantly higher in patients as compared to controls (397.2 ± 93.9 vs. 306 ± 85.3 nM, p < 0.0001). Lag time, ETP, and time to peak parameters showed a significant positive correlation with CRP in both groups. In patients with worse long-term functional outcomes, peak thrombin was significantly higher as compared to those with favorable outcomes [mRS 2-6 median: 402.5 (IQR:344.8-473.8) vs. mRS 0-1: 326.4 (294.2-416.1) nM, p = 0.0096]. Based on the statistically optimal threshold of 339.1 nM peak thrombin, the sensitivity and specificity of this parameter to determine mRS 2-6 as an outcome were 80.8 and 64.7%, respectively. In a binary logistic regression model including age, sex, BMI, smoking status, NIHSS on admission, D-dimer, and peak thrombin (>339.1 nM), only NIHSS and the peak thrombin parameters remained in the model as significant, independent predictors of poor outcome. Lag time and time to peak showed a modest, significant negative correlation with intracerebral bleeding volume on admission (r = -0.2603, p = 0.0231 and r = -0.3698, p = 0.0010, respectively). During the follow-up of patients, estimated hemorrhage volumes on day 90 showed significant positive association with the ETP and peak thrombin parameters (r = 0.3838, p = 0.0363 and r = 0.5383, p = 0.0021, respectively). In patients with ICH, TG was increased as compared to healthy controls, which might be explained by the presence of higher inflammatory parameters in patients. Peak thrombin measured on admission might be a useful tool to predict outcomes in patients with ICH.

Can fluoxetine mitigate mental health decline in musculoskeletal trauma patients: a pilot single-center randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMusculoskeletal trauma is one of the leading causes of disability in the USA and its negative quality of life impact extends beyond that of physical recovery. More than 50% of victims of musculoskeletal trauma suffer lasting mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology following their injury. These symptoms can develop across all spectrums of patients and are independent predictors of poor outcome. Access to mental health care is limited, expensive, and time intensive, and a large majority of the trauma population do not get to utilize this valuable resource. This leaves the burden of management on the orthopedic team, as they are often the only point of contact for the patient within the medical system.MethodsThis is a single-center, repeated measures, randomized controlled pilot study including up to 100 orthopedic trauma patients aged between 18 and 85 years of age. Subjects are approached during their index hospitalization and are randomized to one of two pharmaceutical interventions, fluoxetine (also known as Prozac) or calcium, for 9 months. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is supported for the treatment of PTSD by the American Psychiatric Association. It is low-cost and has minimal side effects and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Calcium is a supplement with minimal side effects that is used in our study for its bone-healing potential. Feasibility will be indexed by recruitment feasibility, randomization feasibility, medical adherence, anti-depressant side effects, and fracture union rate. Subjects will complete physical and mental health surveys at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.DiscussionThe goals of this exploratory clinical trial are to: develop a safe, feasible, and time-limited protocol effect of immediate (post-injury) treatment with fluoxetine for use by orthopedic providers and other non-mental health care providers treating victims of musculoskeletal trauma (Aim 1), and test the for preliminary effects of the protocol on development of PTSD symptomology and physical recovery in these patients (Aim 2). This study is novel in that it strives to prevent the development of symptomology from the time of injury and empowers surgeons to manage their patients in a more holistic manner.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04850222. Registered on April 20, 2021.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicting poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective study and updated meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and poor outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is controversial. We aim to evaluate the relationship between NLR on admission and the poor outcome after aSAH.MethodPart I: Retrospective analysis of aSAH patients in our center. Baseline characteristics of patients were collected and compared. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate parameters independently related to poor outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best cut-off value of NLR. Part II: Systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant literature. Related literature was selected through the database. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the correlation between NLR and outcome measures.ResultsPart I: A total of 240 patients with aSAH were enrolled, and 52 patients had a poor outcome. Patients with poor outcome at 3 months had a higher admission NLR, Hunt & Hess score, Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scale score, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES), and proportion of hypertension history. After adjustment, NLR at admission remained an independent predictor of poor outcome in aSAH patients (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.83; P < 0.001). The best cut-off value of NLR in ROC analysis is 12.03 (area under the curve 0.805, 95% CI 0.735 - 0.875; P < 0.001). Part II: A total of 16 literature were included. Pooled results showed that elevated NLR was significantly associated with poor outcome (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.14-1.49; P < 0.0001) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurrence (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11-1.56; P = 0.002). The results are more reliable in large sample sizes, low NLR cut-off value, multicenter, or prospective studies.ConclusionElevated NLR is an independent predictor of poor outcome and DCI occurrence in aSAH.

Long-term outcomes, including the survival rate and period to death, in patients over 80 years old after ruptured cerebral aneurysm clipping

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the long-term outcomes, including the survival rate, period to death, causes of death, and predictors of poor outcomes, in patients aged over 80 years who underwent surgical clipping for a ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm. Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, the medical records of patients from April 1, 1994, to June 30, 2019, were evaluated. All patients underwent surgical clipping within 72 h of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) onset. Information on the patient, SAH, and outcomes were collected. ResultsThe mean hospitalization and long-term follow-up periods for all patients were 54.5 days and 53.3 months, respectively. The period to death was significantly shorter in patients with modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 4–5 than for those with an mRS of 0–3 at discharge (p=0.001). The Kaplan–Meier method using the log-rank test demonstrated that patients with an mRS of 4–5 at discharge had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with an mRS of 0–3 at discharge (p<0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that the proportion of patients with Hunt and Hess grade and presence of surgical complications were significantly larger in the group with an mRS of 4–5 than in that with an mRS of 0–3 at discharge (p=0.0013 and 0.011, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that presence of surgical complications was the only independent predictor of poor outcomes (p=0.043, odds ratio [OR] 7.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.061–59.38). The Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test demonstrated that patients with surgical complications had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with no surgical complications (p<0.05). ConclusionsEspecially in patients aged over 80 years, those with H-H grade 2 and a good clinical condition can be candidates for surgical clipping, whereas avoiding surgical complications is essential for achieving good outcomes.

Predicting the Risk of in-Hospital Mortality in Patients with HIV-Associated Talaromyces Marneffei Infection

Disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection (formerly termed penicilliosis) is the third most common microbiologically confirmed opportunistic infection in Southeast Asia, with mortality of up to 30% despite antifungal therapy. There are restrictive clinical algorithms to predict treatment outcomes. A total of 513 patients with microbiology-confirmed HIV-associated talaromycosis were included in the analysis. Poor outcome was observed in 143/513 patients (27.9%). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were protective factors. Shorter duration of illness, higher respiratory rates, dyspnea, AIDS-associated central nervous system syndromes, platelet counts &lt;50,000 cells/mL, aspartate transaminase (AST) &gt;300 U/L, alanine transaminase (ALT) &gt;150 U/L, serum creatinine &gt;110 µmol/L were predictors of poor outcome. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, shorter days of illness, higher respiratory rates, platelet counts &lt;50,000 cells/mL, AST &gt;300 U/L and serum creatinine &gt;110 µmol/L, active tuberculosis (TB) and/or ongoing TB induction treatment and AIDS-associated central nervous system syndromes were independent predictors of poor outcome. The prognostic scores ranged from 0 to 19, corresponding to a mortality risk of 0% to 100%. The internal validation showed acceptable discrimination (AUC=0.68) and calibration slope (0.93). The Brier score for model performance was 0.14. We developed a simple scoring system that can predict the risk of death in patients with HIV-associated talaromycosis based on routinely measured characteristics on admission. The scoring system will be further externally validated using other cohorts in the region.

Failed recanalization mediates the association of women with poor outcomes after thrombectomy: a single-center experience

Background: Whether thrombectomy benefits differ according to sex remains debatable. We aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in stroke outcomes between men and women treated with thrombectomy.Methods: We studied 173 patients with anterior circulation strokes. Failed recanalization was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 0-2a. Scores &gt;2 on the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months were regarded as poor outcomes. To prove that failed recanalization mediated the association between sex differences and functional outcome, the four steps of the reasoning process adapted from Baron and Kenny’s causal-steps approach were tested. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: This study included 76 women and 97 men. Women were older and presented with atrial fibrillation more frequently than men. Female sex was independently associated with failed recanalization (aOR, 2.729; 95% CI, 1.334–5.582), which was an independent predictor of poor outcomes (aOR, 4.630; 95% CI, 1.882–11.389). Women were associated with poor outcomes in the analysis adjusted for confounders, except for failed recanalization (aOR, 2.285; 95% CI, 1.064–4.906). However, the association became insignificant in the additional analysis adjusted for failed recanalization (aOR, 1.670; 95% CI, 0.738–3.784). The indirect effect between female sex and poor outcomes via failed recanalization was statistically significant (aOR, 1.038; 95% CI, 1.010–1.127). Conclusion: Our study showed that failed recanalization mediated the association between women and poor outcomes after thrombectomy. Nonetheless, this might be explained by chance given our limited study population.

Untreated Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies Are Associated With Graft Failure and Poor Survival After Haploidentical Transplantation With Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide in Pediatric Patients With Nonmalignant Disorders

Donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) have been recognized as a major risk factor for graft failure (GF) in adult patients with malignancies undergoing haploidentical transplantation with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (haplo-PTCy). However, the impact of DSAs after pediatric haplo-PTCy for nonmalignant disorders (NMDs) has been poorly reported. We sought to investigate whether preexisting DSAs adversely affect pediatric haplo-PTCy outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 59 pediatric patients (≤21 years) who received their first haplo-PTCy for NMDs from January 2008 to December 2017. DSA testing was performed using single antigen beads, and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) >1000 was considered positive, and MFI <1000 and >500 was considered potentially positive, based on HLA epitope reactivity patterns. Primary endpoints were neutrophil and platelet recovery and GF, whereas secondary endpoints included event-free and overall survival. Multivariable analyses were performed using Fine-Gray competing risk regression or Cox proportional hazards regression models. The median age was 10 years, and 66.1% were male. Main indications for haplo-PTCy were Fanconi anemia (n=33) and severe aplastic anemia (n=11). All patients received bone marrow as the graft source, and most patients (91.5%) received fludarabine-based conditioning. Overall, 15 patients (25.4%) had DSAs >500 MFI. Four patients had false-positive DSAs with median MFI of 1762. Of the 11 patients with true-positive DSA reactivity, 5 had 1 DSA, 5 had 2 DSAs, and 1 had 3 DSAs, with median MFI of 2372 (range 527-24,200). Four patients received desensitization therapy with rituximab and plasmapheresis, whereas 7 patients were untreated. All patients with treated DSAs achieved donor engraftment. In the multivariable analyses, untreated DSAs were associated with lower neutrophil recovery (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.63; P=.001), increased GF (SHR=20.57; 95% CI, 6.57-64.43; P < .001), inferior event-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.09; 95% CI, 3.37-30.22; P < .001), and poor overall survival (HR 5.56; 95% CI, 1.92-16.12; P=.002). Both treated DSAs (SHR=0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.68; P=.006) and untreated DSAs (SHR=0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.37; P < .001) adversely affected platelet recovery. Our results indicate that the presence of DSAs is an independent predictor of poor outcomes after pediatric haplo-PTCy for NMDs. Therefore DSA-positive donors should be avoided whenever possible, and when a DSA-negative donor is unavailable, desensitization therapy must be performed to enhance the likelihood of donor engraftment and improve transplantation outcomes.

NT-proBNP Levels Influence the Prognostic Value of Mineral Metabolism Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease.

Background. Mineral metabolism (MM) system and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) have been shown to add prognostic value in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). However, the influence of NT-ProBNP on the prognostic role of MM in patients with SCAD has not been shown yet. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of NT-ProBNP on the prognostic role of MM markers in patients with SCAD. Methods: We analyzed the prognostic value of MM markers (parathormone (PTH), klotho, phosphate, calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3), and fibroblast growth factor-23) in 964 patients with SCAD and NT-ProBNP > 125 pg/mL vs. patient with NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL included in five hospitals in Spain. The main outcome was the combination of death, heart failure, and ischemic events (any acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, or transient ischemic attack). Results: A total of 622 patients had NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL and 342 patients had NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL. The median follow-up was 5.1 years. In the group of NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, the patients were older, and there were more females and smokers than in the group of patients with normal NT-proBNP. Additionally, the proportion of patients with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction < 40%, cerebrovascular attack, or prior coronary artery bypass graft was higher in the high NT-proBNP group. In the high NT-proBNP patients, the predictors of poor prognosis were PTH (HR = 1.06 (1.01–1.10), p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (HR = 1.02 (1.01–1.03), p = 0.011), along with age (HR = 1.039 (1.02–1.06), p < 0.001), prior coronary artery bypass graft (HR = 1.624 (1.02–2.59), p = 0.041), treatment with statins (HR = 0.32 (0.19–0.53), p < 0.001), insulin (HR = 2.49 (1.59–4.09), p < 0.001), angiotensin receptor blockers (HR = 1.73 (1.16–2.56), p = 0.007), nitrates (HR = 1.65 (1.10–2.45), p = 0.014), and proton pump inhibitors (HR = 2.75 (1.74–4.36), p < 0.001). In the NT-proBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL subgroup, poor prognosis predictors were plasma levels of non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol (HR = 1.01 (1.00–1.02), p = 0.014) and calcidiol (HR = 0.96 (0.92–0.99), p = 0.045), as well as treatment with verapamil (HR = 11.28 (2.54–50.00), p = 0.001), and dihydropyridines (HR = 3.16 (1.63–6.13), p = 0.001). Conclusion: In patients with SCAD and NT-ProBNP > 125 pg/mL, PTH and NT-ProBNP, which are markers related to ventricular damage, are predictors of poor outcome. In the subgroup of patients with NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pgm/L, calcidiol and non-HDL cholesterol, which are more related to vascular damage, are the independent predictors of poor outcome. Then, in patients with SCAD, baseline NT-ProBNP may influence the type of biomarker that is effective in risk prediction.