Independent Risk Factor For Progression Research Articles

Study of clinical and histopathological factors predicting rapid progression in biopsy-proven type 2 diabetic kidney disease

Introduction: Rapid progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant concern, particularly in developing countries. It remains uncertain whether histopathological parameters, in addition to clinical factors, can predict DKD progression. Objectives: To evaluate renal histopathological and clinical parameters in predicting rapid progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) patients with biopsy-proven DKD. Patients and Methods: This was an observational retrospective study that included 49 biopsy-proven DKD from January 2018 to December 2022. Those with less than six months of follow-up and CKD stage 5 were excluded. The outcomes studied were rapid progression and progression to ESKD. Patients were categorized into rapid progressors and non-progressors based on the estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) decline of > or <10 mL/min/1.73 m2 /year, respectively. The association of histopathological factors and clinical parameters with rapid progression and independent risk factors for progression to ESKD were analysed using SPSS 22. Results: In a median follow-up of 1.6 years, 57% were rapid progressors, and 42.9% were non-progressors, with a median eGFR decline of 21 mL/min/1.73 m2 /year and 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 /year, respectively. Among histopathological factors, global glomerular sclerosis (class 4) predicted rapid progression (P= 0.03), since among clinical factors, hypertension (89.3%) elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (9.6%), and massive proteinuria (75.1%) were significant parameters associated with rapid progression (P<0.05). In Cox regression analysis, the progression to ESKD was independently associated with global glomerular sclerosis (HR 1.1, CI 1.0-1.4, P=0.04) and massive proteinuria (HR 1.6, CI 1.0-2.1, P=0.01) Conclusion: In our cohort, hypertension, high HbA1c, severe proteinuria, and global glomerular sclerosis (Class 4) were associated with rapid progression. Severe proteinuria and global glomerular sclerosis were independent risk factors for progression to ESKD. This highlights the need for large prospective studies in identifying the factors predicting rapid progressors in DKD; therefore, timely intervention can be considered.

Prognostic factors for interstitial lung disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis: May methotrexate protect against progression?

Objective Lung computed tomography (CT) is a valid method for the detection and assessment of the progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the characteristics of individuals with RA-ILD, with and without radiographic progression, determined using lung CT scans. Method In this retrospective observational study, three radiologists re-evaluated CT scans of RA-ILD patients who had at least one follow-up CT. The lungs were divided into upper, middle, and lower zones, with equal slices. Progression was defined as the involvement of more zones in the vertical extent by the same elementary findings or the emergence of more severe findings in the same zones compared to the previous examination. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the possible factors identified in univariate analysis. Results This study included 104 patients with 215 lung CT scans for analysis. Radiographic progression was seen in 43 patients (41.3%). Male sex, findings compatible with ILD on the last X-ray, age at diagnosis of ILD > 50 years, and presence of ground-glass opacity on CT were more common in the group with progression. In multivariate analysis (adjusted for ILD disease duration), findings consistent with ILD on chest X-ray and male sex were independent risk factors for progression, while taking methotrexate (ever) was an independent protective factor for progression. Conclusion Our findings indicate a negative association between methotrexate use and ILD progression. These results should be confirmed in further studies.

Lipoprotein(a), Oxidized Phospholipids, and Progression to Symptomatic Heart Failure: The CASABLANCA Study.

Higher lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipid concentrations are associated with increased risk for coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. The role of lipoprotein(a) or oxidized phospholipid as a risk factor for incident heart failure (HF) or its complications remains uncertain. A total of 1251 individuals referred for coronary angiography in the Catheter Sampled Blood Archive in Cardiovascular Diseases (CASABLANCA) study were stratified on the basis of universal definition of HF stage; those in stage A/B (N=714) were followed up for an average 3.7 years for incident stage C/D HF or the composite of HF/cardiovascular death. During follow-up, 105 (14.7%) study participants in stage A/B progressed to symptomatic HF and 57 (8.0%) had cardiovascular death. In models adjusted for multiple HF risk factors, including severe coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis, individuals with lipoprotein(a) ≥150 nmol/L were at higher risk for progression to symptomatic HF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.90 [95% CI, 1.15-3.13]; P=0.01) or the composite of HF/cardiovascular death (HR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.10-2.67]; P=0.02). These results remained significant after further adjustment of the model to include prior myocardial infarction (HF: HR, 1.89, P=0.01; HF/cardiovascular death: HR, 1.68, P=0.02). Elevated oxidized phospholipid concentrations were similarly associated with risk, particularly when added to higher lipoprotein(a). In Kaplan-Meier analyses, individuals with stage A/B HF and elevated lipoprotein(a) had shorter time to progression to stage C/D HF or HF/cardiovascular death (both log-rank P<0.001). Among individuals with stage A or B HF, higher lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipid concentrations are independent risk factors for progression to symptomatic HF or cardiovascular death. URL: https://wwwclinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00842868.

Prognosis and factors related to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) can progress to severe SHPT (sSHPT), which affects the survival rate and quality of life of patients. This retrospective cohort study investigated risk factors for sSHPT and the association between SHPT and mortality (all-cause and infection-related) among 771 clinically stable patients (421 male patients; mean age, 51.2 years; median dialysis vintage, 28.3 months) who underwent >3 months of regular peritoneal dialysis (PD) between January 2013 and March 2021. The sSHPT and non-sSHPT groups comprised 75 (9.7%) (median progression, 35 months) and 696 patients, respectively. sSHPT was defined as a serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level >800 pg/mL observed three times after active vitamin D pulse therapy. The influence of sSHPT on the prognosis of and risk factors for sSHPT progression were evaluated using logistic and Cox regression analyses. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher (each 100-pg/mL increase) baseline PTH levels (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.206–1.649, p < .001), longer (each 1-year increase) dialysis vintages (95% CI 1.013–1.060, p = .002), higher concomitant diabetes rates (95% CI 1.375–10.374, p = .010), and lower (each 1-absolute unit decrease) Kt/V values (95% CI 0.859–0.984, p = .015) were independent risk factors for progression to sSHPT in patients on PD. During follow-up, 211 deaths occurred (sSHPT group, n = 35; non-sSHPT group, n = 176). The sSHPT group had significantly higher infection-related mortality rates than the non-sSHPT group (12.0% vs. 4.3%; p < .05), and sSHPT was associated with increased infection-related mortality. In conclusion, patients with sSHPT are at higher risk for death and infection-related mortality than patients without sSHPT.

Epidemiological, immunological, and treatment response profile of patients with lupus nephritis in Brazil.

Brazil has the largest number of individuals of African descent outside Africa and a very admixed population. Among cases of lupus nephritis (LN) in the country, there are differences in incidence, and even in severity, depending on the location and characteristics of the population studied. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of LN in Brazil, as well as to determine which of those characteristics would be risk factors for a poor renal prognosis. This was a retrospective, descriptive observational study of patients diagnosed with LN who underwent kidney biopsy between 1999 and 2015 in the Nephrology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas, in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from electronic medical records. We evaluated 398 patients, among who 94.1% and 77.7% tested positive for antinuclear antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies, respectively, whereas 33.7% showed the full-house pattern. The time from LN symptom onset to biopsy was <6months in 47.5% (early biopsy group) and ≥6months in 52.5% (late biopsy group). In the early biopsy group, the chronicity index was lower and the activity index was higher. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher chronicity index was the only independent risk factor for progression to requiring kidney replacement therapy. Late biopsy seems to be associated with negative renal outcomes in LN. However, it seems that a higher chronicity index is the main predictor of a poor renal outcome among patients with LN in Brazil.

Clinical significance of location of perineural cancer invasion detected on prostate needle core biopsy.

The clinical impact of site-specific perineural invasion (PNI) in prostate cancer remains poorly understood. We compared radical prostatectomy findings and oncologic outcomes in 434 patients with single-site PNI on systematic sextant biopsy. PNI was present in the right apex (n = 62; 14%), right mid (n = 70; 16%), right base (n = 89; 21%), left apex (n = 64; 15%), left mid (n = 58; 13%), and left base (n = 91; 21%). There were no significant differences in biopsy or prostatectomy findings, when comparing apex vs. mid vs. base PNI. Univariate analysis revealed that apex-localized PNI was associated with a significantly higher risk of progression, compared with base (P = 0.037) or mid/base (P = 0.024) PNI. Multivariable analysis showed that apex-localized PNI was an independent risk factor for progression (hazard ratio 2.049, P = 0.002). Among biopsies demonstrating PNI at one sextant site, apex-localized PNI is independently associated with poorer prognosis, though not worse histopathologic features on prostatectomy, compared with mid or base PNI.

Circulating miR-10b, soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 as predictors of non-small cell lung cancer progression and treatment response.

Despite advances in lung cancer treatment, most lung cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Expression of microRNA10b (miR-10b) and fibrinolytic activity, as reflected by soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), are promising biomarker candidates. To assess the expression of miR-10b, and serum levels of suPAR and PAI-1 in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and their correlation with progression, treatment response and prognosis. The present prospective cohort and survival study was conducted at Dharmais National Cancer Hospital and included advanced stage NSCLC patients diagnosed between March 2015 and September 2016. Expression of miR-10b was quantified using qRT-PCR. Levels of suPAR and PAI-1 were assayed using ELISA. Treatment response was evaluated using the RECIST 1.1 criteria. Patients were followed up until death or at least 1 year after treatment. Among the 40 patients enrolled, 25 completed at least four cycles of chemotherapy and 15 patients died during treatment. Absolute miR-10b expression ⩾ 592,145 copies/μL or miR-10b fold change ⩾ 0.066 were protective for progressive disease and poor treatment response, whereas suPAR levels ⩾ 4,237 pg/mL was a risk factor for progressive disease and poor response. PAI-1 levels > 4.6ng/mL was a protective factor for poor response. Multivariate analysis revealed suPAR as an independent risk factor for progression (ORa⁢d⁢j, 13.265; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 2.26577.701; P= 0.006) and poor response (ORa⁢d⁢j, 15.609; 95% CI, 2.221-109.704; P= 0.006), whereas PAI-1 was an independent protective factor of poor response (ORa⁢d⁢j, 0.127; 95% CI, 0.019-0.843; P= 0.033). Since miR-10b cannot be used as an independent risk factor for NSCLC progression and treatment response, we developed a model to predict progression using suPAR levels and treatment response using suPAR and PAI-1 levels. Further studies are needed to validate this model.

Interstitial lung abnormality evaluated by an automated quantification system: prevalence and progression rate

BackgroundDespite the importance of recognizing interstitial lung abnormalities, screening methods using computer-based quantitative analysis are not well developed, and studies on the subject with an Asian population are rare. We aimed to identify the prevalence and progression rate of interstitial lung abnormality evaluated by an automated quantification system in the Korean population.MethodsA total of 2,890 healthy participants in a health screening program (mean age: 49 years, men: 79.5%) with serial chest computed tomography images obtained at least 5 years apart were included. Quantitative lung fibrosis scores were measured on the chest images by an automated quantification system. Interstitial lung abnormalities were defined as a score ≥ 3, and progression as any score increased above baseline.ResultsInterstitial lung abnormalities were identified in 251 participants (8.6%), who were older and had a higher body mass index. The prevalence increased with age. Quantification of the follow-up images (median interval: 6.5 years) showed that 23.5% (59/251) of participants initially diagnosed with interstitial lung abnormality exhibited progression, and 11% had developed abnormalities (290/2639). Older age, higher body mass index, and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate were independent risk factors for progression or development. The interstitial lung abnormality group had worse survival on follow-up (5-year mortality: 3.4% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.010).ConclusionsInterstitial lung abnormality could be identified in one-tenth of the participants, and a quarter of them showed progression. Older age, higher body mass index and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased the risk of development or progression of interstitial lung abnormality.

Androgen deficiency is associated with a better prognosis in glioblastoma

BackgroundThe androgen receptor (AR) has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma; however, the implications of circulating testosterone levels in the biology of glioblastoma remain unknown.AimThis study aimed to analyze the association between circulating testosterone levels and the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma.MethodsForty patients with primary glioblastoma were included in the study. The main prognostic endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Circulating testosterone levels were used to determine the state of androgen deficiency (AD). AR expression was analyzed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsMost of the patients showed AR expression, and it was mainly located in the cytoplasm, as well as in the nucleus of tumor cells. Patients with AD presented a better PFS than those patients with normal levels (252.0 vs. 135.0 days; p = 0.041). Furthermore, normal androgenic status was an independent risk factor for progression in a multivariate regression model (hazard ratio = 6.346; p = 0.004).ConclusionCirculating testosterone levels are associated with the prognosis of glioblastoma because patients with AD show a better prognosis than those with normal androgenic status.

Pulmonary Computed Tomography Screening Frequency in Primary Antibody Deficiency

BackgroundPatients with primary antibody deficiency (PAD) frequently suffer from pulmonary complications, associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Hence, regular pulmonary screening by computed tomography (CT) scanning is advised. However, predictive risk factors for pulmonary morbidity are lacking. ObjectiveTo identify PAD patients at risk for pulmonary complications necessitating regular CT screening. MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort study of PAD patients (median follow-up 7.4 (2.3 – 14.8) years). CTs were scored using the modified Brody-II scoring system. Clinical and laboratory parameters were retrospectively collected. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate analysis when p<0.2 and confirmed by multivariable logistic regression when p<0.05. ResultsThe following independent risk factors for progression of airway disease (AD) were identified: 1) diagnosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), 2) recurrent airway infections (2.5/year), 3) presence of AD at baseline. Signs of AD progression were detected in 5/11 XLA patients and in 17/80 of the other PAD patients. Of the patients who progressed, 17/22 had preexistent AD scores ≥7.0%. Increased AD scores were related to poorer FEV1 values and chronic cough. CVID and increased CD4 effector/memory cells were risk factors for an interstitial lung disease (ILD) score ≥13.0%. ILD ≥13.0% occurred in 12/80 patients. Signs of ILD progression were detected in 8/80 patients and 4/8 patients showing progression had preexistent ILD scores ≥13.0%. ConclusionWe identified risk factors that distinguished PAD patients at risk for airway disease and interstitial lung disease presence and progression which could guide future screening frequency, however independent and preferably prospective validation is needed.

Development and application of a nomogram model for predicting the risk of central precocious puberty in obese girls.

The purpose of this study is to develop and assess a nomogram risk prediction model for central precocious puberty (CPP) in obese girls. We selected 154 cases of obese girls and 765 cases of non-obese girls with precocious puberty (PP) who underwent the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test at the Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify predictors of progression to CPP in girls with PP. A predictive model was developed and its predictive ability was preliminarily evaluated. The nomogram was used to represent the risk prediction model for CPP in girls with obesity. The model was validated internally using the Bootstrap method, and its efficacy was assessed using calibration curves and clinical decision analysis curves. In obese girls with PP, basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, as well as uterine volume, were identified as independent risk factors for progression to CPP. In non-obese girls, the basal LH level, bone age, and uterine volume were identified as independent risk factors for progression to CPP. With an AUC of 0.896, the risk prediction model for obese girls, was found to be superior to that for non-obese girls, which had an AUC of 0.810. The model displayed strong predictive accuracy. Additionally, a nomogram was used to illustrate the CPP risk prediction model for obese girls. This model performs well in internal validation and is well calibrated, providing a substantial net benefit for clinical use. A medical nomogram model of CPP risk in obese girls comprised of basal LH value, basal FSH value, and uterine volume, which can be used to identify those at high risk for progression of CPP in obese girls and develop individualized prevention programs.

Association of remnant cholesterol with renal function and its progression in patients with type 2 diabetes related chronic kidney disease.

The association of Remnant cholesterol (RC) with renal function and its progression in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) related chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. 8,678 patients with T2DM-related CKD were included in cross-sectional analysis, and 6,165 patients were enrolled in longitudinal analysis and followed up for a median of 36.0 months. The outcomes were renal composite endpoint event and rapid progression of renal function. 24.54% developed a renal composite endpoint event, and 27.64% rapid progression of renal function. RC levels above 0.56 mmol/L independently increased the risk of both renal composite endpoint (HR, 1.17; 95% CIs, 1.03-1.33) and rapid progression of renal function (OR, 1.17; 95% CIs, 1.01- 1.37). TG levels above 1.65 mmol/L only increased the risk of renal composite endpoint (HR, 1.16; 95% CIs, 1.02 -1.32). TC levels above 5.21 mmol/L increased the risk of renal composite endpoint (HR, 1.14; 95% CIs, 1.01-1.29) only in patients with proteinuria≥0.5g/d. Conversely, HDL-C levels below 1.20 mmol/L or above 1.84 mmol/L increased the risk of rapid progression of renal function (OR, 0.88; 95% CIs, 0.70 -0.99) in patients with proteinuria<0.5g/d (all P<0.05). In patients with T2DM-related CKD, RC was an independent risk factor for progression of renal function, and maintaining it below 0.56 mmol/L could reduce the risk of renal function progression.

Idiopathic collapsing glomerulopathy is associated with APOL1 high-risk genotypes or Mendelian variants in most affected individuals in a highly admixed population

Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is most often associated with fast progression to kidney failure with an incidence apparently higher in Brazil than in other countries. However, the reason for this occurrence is unknown. To better understand this, we performed an integrated analysis of clinical, histological, therapeutic, causative genetic and genetic ancestry data in a highly genetically admixed cohort of 70 children and adult patients with idiopathic CG (ICG). The disease onset occurred at 23 (interquartile range: 17-31) years and approximately half of patients progressed to chronic kidney disease requiring kidney replacement therapy (CKD-KRT) 36 months after diagnosis. Causative genetic bases, assessed by targeted-gene panel or whole-exome sequencing, were identified in 58.6% of patients. Among these cases, 80.5% harbored APOL1 high-risk genotypes (HRG) and 19.5% causative Mendelian variants (MV). Self-reported non-White patients more frequently had HRG. MV was an independent risk factor for progression to CKD-KRT by 36 months and the end of follow-up, while remission was an independent protective factor. All patients with HRG manifested CG at 9-44 years of age, whereas in those with APOL1 low-risk genotype, the disease arose throughout life. HRGs were associated with higher proportion of African genetic ancestry. Novel causative MVs were identified in COL4A5, COQ2 and PLCE1 and previously described causative MVs were identified in MYH9, TRPC6, COQ2, COL4A3 and TTC21B. Three patients displayed HRG combined with a variant of uncertain significance (ITGB4, LAMA5 or PTPRO). MVs were associated with worse kidney prognosis. Thus, our data reveal that the genetic status plays a major role in ICG pathogenesis, accounting for more than half of cases in a highly admixed Brazilian population.

Pain catastrophizing and risk of progression to widespread pain among patients with chronic low back pain: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundChronic low back pain often progresses to widespread pain. Although many factors are associated with progression, their roles in contributing to chronic widespread pain (CWP) are often unclear. ObjectiveTo determine if pain catastrophizing is an independent risk factor for CWP. DesignRetrospective cohort study within a national pain research registry from April 2016 through August 2022. MethodsA total of 1111 participants with chronic low back pain, but without CWP, were included. Participants were followed at quarterly intervals for up to 48 months to measure CWP risk. Survival analyses involved Kaplan-Meier plots and the Cox proportional hazards model to measure CWP risk according to pain catastrophizing and subscale scores for rumination, magnification, and helplessness. ResultsCrude CWP risks for moderate pain catastrophizing (HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.54–2.95; P < 0.001) and high pain catastrophizing (HR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.95–5.35; P < 0.001) were each elevated in comparison with low pain catastrophizing. Adjusted CWP risks for moderate pain catastrophizing (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.27–2.53; P < 0.001) and high pain catastrophizing (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.98–4.02; P < 0.001) remained elevated in analyses that controlled for potential confounders. Corresponding results were observed in the survival analyses involving rumination, magnification, and helplessness. ConclusionsPain catastrophizing appears to be an independent risk factor for progression to CWP among patients with chronic low back pain. These findings provide a rationale for interventions aimed at reducing pain catastrophizing, including rumination, magnification, and helplessness, among patients with chronic low back pain.

Value of novel thrombotic markers for predicting occurrence of the malignant cerebral artery infarction: a prospective clinical study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the diagnostic performance of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin–α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), tissue plasminogen activator–plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC), and thrombomodulin (TM) in predicting the progression of massive cerebral infarction to the malignant cerebral artery infarction.MethodA total of 71 patients with massive cerebral infarction confirmed by imaging examination were divided into malignant cerebral artery infarction group (MCAI) and non-malignant cerebral artery infarction group (NMCAI) based on whether they progressed to MCAI after admission. TAT, PIC, t-PAIC, and TM were measured immediately after admission. The predictive performance was analyzed by the receiver characteristic operating curve (ROC).ResultThe median plasma concentrations of TM, PIC, TAT, and t-PAIC in the MCAI patients at admission were 10.65 IU/mL, 1.17 μg/mL, 12.25 ng/mL, and 13.85 ng/mL, respectively, which were higher than those in the NMCAI patients (9.00 IU/mL, 1.07 μg/mL, 4.60 ng/mL, and 8.70 ng/mL), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.045, p = 0.035, p = 0.004, and p = 0.003). Elevated plasma t-PAIC concentration was shown to be an independent risk factor for progression of massive cerebral infarction to MCAI (OR = 1.131) by multivariate logistic regression analysis. ROC curve analysis showed that t-PAIC was the best predictor of MCAI (AUC = 74.7%), with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 75.9% when t-PAIC concentration was ≥12.4 ng/mL; TAT had the highest specificity in predicting MCAI, with a specificity of 90.7% when the TAT concentration was ≥13.5 ng/mL.ConclusionThe detection of PIC, TAT, t-PAIC, and TM is a comprehensive assessment of vascular endothelial damage and activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and has predictive value for poor prognosis in patients with MCAI. The widespread use of these tests will likely greatly improve the early diagnosis rate of MCAI.

Metabolic tumor volume and sites of organ involvement predict outcome in NSCLC immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the ability of pretreatment PET parameters and peripheral blood biomarkers to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients treated with ICIT. MethodsWe prospectively included 87 patients in this study who underwent pre-treatment [18F]-FDG PET/CT. Organ-specific and total metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured using a semiautomatic software. Sites of organ involvement (SOI) were assessed by PET/CT. The log-rank test and Cox-regression analysis were used to assess associations between clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters with PFS and OS. Time dependent ROC were calculated and model performance was evaluated in terms of its clinical utility. ResultsMTV increased with the number of SOI and was correlated with neutrophil and lymphocyte cell count (Spearman’s rho = 0.27 or 0.32; p =.02 or 0.003; respectively). Even after adjustment for known risk factors, such as PD-1 expression and neutrophil cell count, the MTV and the number of SOI were independent risk factors for progression (per 100 cm3; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.13; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.01–1.28; p =.04; single SOI vs. ≥ 4 SOI: aHR: 2.26, 95%CI: 1.04–4.94; p =.04). MTV and the number of SOI were independent risk factors for overall survival (per 100 cm3 aHR: 1.11, 95%CI: 1.01–1.23; p =.03; single SOI vs. ≥ 4 SOI: aHR: 4.54, 95%CI: 1.64–12.58; p =.04). The combination of MTV and the number of SOI improved the risk stratification for PFS and OS (log-rank test p <.001; C-index: 0.64 and 0.67). ConclusionThe MTV and the number of SOI are simple imaging markers that provide complementary information to facilitate risk stratification in NSCLC patients scheduled for ICIT.

Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Study in China

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and prognostic factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: All admitted HD patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, were included. Patients with pneumonia were further classified into the mild, moderate, severe, and critical illness. Clinical symptoms, laboratory results, radiologic findings, treatment, and clinical outcomes were collected. Independent risk factors for progression to critical disease and in-hospital mortality were determined by the multivariate regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic analysis with the area under the curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of developing critical status and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 182 COVID-19 patients with HD were included, with an average age of the 61.55 years. Out of the total, 84 (46.1%) patients did not have pneumonia and 98 (53.8%) patients had pneumonia. Among patients with pneumonia, 48 (49.0%) had moderate illness, 26 (26.5%) severe illness, and 24 (24.5%) critical illness, respectively. Elder age [HR (95% CI): 1.07 (1.01–1.13), p <0.01], increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [1.01 (1.003–1.01), p <0.01], and C-reactive protein (CRP) [1.01 (1.00–1.01), p = 0.04] were risk factors for developing critical illness. Elder age [1.11 (1.03–1.19), p = 0.01], increased procalcitonin (PCT) [1.07 (1.02–1.12), p = 0.01], and LDH level [1.004 (1–1.01), p = 0.03] were factors associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Age, CRP, PCT, and LDH can be used to predict negative clinical outcomes for HD patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy plus BCG, a promising combination adjuvant treatment for high-risk NMIBC

PurposeTo develop a novel combination therapy for high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), namely, intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) plus BCG immunotherapy, and to compare the feasibility and safety of the 2 therapies. Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on the data of 119 patients who were diagnosed with high-risk NMIBC and underwent TURBT in the past 5 years. Those who did not complete the treatment were excluded, and the remaining 98 patients were divided into 2 groups: both groups received intravesical BCG immunotherapy, while the BCG+IAC group received 4 courses of extra intra-arterial chemotherapy. Clinical and follow-up data were processed using statistical software. ResultsThe recurrence rate was 22.2% in the BCG+IAC group and 35.8% in the BCG group, whereas the progression rates were 8.9% and 24.5%, respectively. In the Kaplan-Meier plot, a statistically significant difference was observed with respect to recurrence-free survival (p = 0.025), as well as the progression-free survival of the two groups was similar (p = 0.019). A total of 22.2% of the patients with adverse effects of IAC and 79.6% of patients suffered from adverse reactions to BCG immunotherapy, and most of the adverse effects were mild and tolerable. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that multifocal and treatment were independent risk factors for recurrence, while the history of recurrence and treatment were independent risk factors for progression. ConclusionIAC could be a promising auxiliary treatment for BCG immunotherapy in decreasing the recurrence and progression rate of high-risk NMIBC with little additional toxicity.

Progression of radiographic fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.

Preclinical interstitial lung disease (pILD) may represent the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). However, the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risk factors associated with fibrosis progression in RA-ILD, including pILD and ILD, remain poorly understood. Baseline data were compared between patients with RA-ILD and those with RA alone. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with the prevalence and imaging progression of RA-ILD, respectively. Among the 371 enrolled RA patients, 32.3% had RA-ILD. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified age over 60.0 years (OR 2.22), smoking (OR 2.09), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 3.09), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (OR 2.98), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels exceeding 250.0 U/L (OR 6.73), and positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody (OR 2.06) as independent risk factors for RA-ILD (p< 0.05 or 0.01). Among the 98 RA-ILD patients who underwent follow-up for a median duration of 19.1 months, 51.0% demonstrated fibrotic progression on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Multiple Cox regression analysis identified DM (HR 2.03), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) greater than 5.1 (HR 2.21), and baseline HRCT scores exceeding 5.0 (HR 2.30) as independent risk factors for fibrosis progression in RA-ILD (p< 0.05 or 0.01). Nearly one-third of RA patients in this cohort had prevalent pILD or ILD, and half of them demonstrated imaging progression during follow-up. DM, higher DAS28-ESR, and advanced HRCT scores were identified as independent risk factors for progressive fibrosis in RA-ILD.

Vertebral compression fractures managed with brace: risk factors for progression.

The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) progression in patients treated conservatively with a brace. Then, a case-control study was designed. All patients over 50years old with diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar VCF (T5 to L5) in absence of underlying oncological process, treated conservatively with brace, and consecutively attended at our department from January 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively selected for analysis. Patients missed for follow-up or dead during the first 3months of follow-up were excluded. Five hundred and eighty-two consecutive patients were recorded. Incomplete follow-up excluded 74 patients and other 19 died in the first three months after diagnosis, so 489 cases were finally analyzed. Median follow-up was 21 (IQR 13;30) weeks. Increased collapse of the vertebral body was found in 29.9% of VCFs with a median time to progression of 9 (IQR 7;13) weeks. Male gender (OR 1.6), type A3 fracture of the AOSpine classification (OR 2.7), thoracolumbar junction location (OR 1.7), and incorrect use of the brace (OR 3.5) were identified as independent risk factors for progression after multivariable analysis. Male gender, type A3 fracture of the AOSpine classification, thoracolumbar junction location, and incorrect use of the brace were identified as independent risk factors for VCF progression, which resulted in worse pain control, when treated with brace. Thus, other treatments such as percutaneous vertebral augmentation could be considered to avoid progression in selected cases, since collapse rate has been demonstrated lower with these procedures.