International Consensus Guidelines Research Articles

Cranial Ultrasound Findings in Infants With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Universal Newborn Screening Study in Minnesota

Abstract Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of neurodevelopmental deficits in US children. To inform patient management, it is important to define whether central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are present at birth. This study characterized neuroimaging findings in infants with cCMV identified by a universal screening study in Minnesota during February 2016–December 2022. Methods Newborns with cCMV infection (confirmed by urine CMV polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing, obtained following a positive screening saliva and/or dried blood spot result) underwent a diagnostic evaluation that included a cranial ultrasound (cUS) exam, laboratory studies, ophthalmological, and audiological evaluation. Neuroimaging findings and cCMV disease classification were interpreted based on international consensus guidelines. Results Among 87 newborns with confirmed cCMV, 76 underwent cUS. Of these, 53/76 (70%) had normal examinations, while 23/76 (30%) exhibited cUS findings: for 5 infants, these were clearly cCMV disease-defining, while for 18 infants, there were findings of uncertain significance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results (n = 10 infants) aligned with cUS cCMV disease-defining findings in 2 infants, while cCMV-specific abnormalities were noted by MRI in 2 of 6 infants with nondiagnostic/incidental cUS findings. Of 9 infants who had both cUS and MRI examination, the average time interval between studies was 220 days (range, 2–1061). Excluding infants with cCMV CNS disease-defining cUS abnormalities, incidental findings were observed more commonly in infants with clinical/laboratory features described in cCMV disease classification guidelines (9/13) than in newborns with completely asymptomatic infections (9/58; P < .0001). Conclusions Among infants with cCMV identified in a universal screening study, the majority had a normal cUS. CNS disease-defining abnormalities were present in 7%, while 24% had findings of uncertain significance. We propose that many cUS findings are incidental, and not diagnostic of symptomatic cCMV infection. Although these findings may not be sufficient to define the presence of symptomatic cCMV disease involving the CNS, in our study they were more commonly observed in infants with other clinical and/or laboratory findings associated with symptomatic cCMV infection.

Advances in Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Acute Care Medicine.

Pediatric point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has grown in utilization and is now an integral part of pediatric acute care. Applications within the pediatric critical care, neonatology and pediatric emergency were once limited to evaluation of undifferentiated shock states, abdominal free fluid assessments in trauma resuscitation and procedural guidance. The body of pediatric POCUS literature is ever expanding and recently published international consensus guidelines are available to guide implementation into clinical practice. The authors present a review of emerging applications and controversies within thoracic, hemodynamic, neurologic, and ocular POCUS in pediatric acute care medicine.

Cisplatin Monotherapy as a Treatment Option for Patients with HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer Experiencing Hepatic Visceral Crisis or Impending Visceral Crisis.

Hepatic visceral crisis (VC), characterized by a rapid total bilirubin increase with disease progression, poses a life-threatening risk in advanced breast cancer (ABC). International consensus guidelines define VC and touch on impending VC (IVC). Limited data exist on systemic treatments for hepatic VC/IVC. This study explores the safety and efficacy of cisplatin monotherapy in patients with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2- negative breast cancer (BC) and hepatic IVC/VC. In this retrospective single-center cohort study data of patients treated with cisplatin monotherapy (60-80mg/m2, every 3-4weeks) between 2016 and 2023 at a reference Cancer Centre in Southern Poland were analyzed. 33 female patients (24/33 hormonal-positive) with the mean age 53.84years were included. Participants progressed on median 2 prior palliative systemic treatment lines. In 10/23 patients hepatic VC and in 23/33 IVC (rapid, symptomatic liver progression; extensive liver involvement; alanine or aspartate aminotransferase > 2 × normal limit; significant increases in lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, or gamma-glutamyl transferase) were identified. Median progression-free survival was 1.87months and median overall survival 2.67months. 33% of the patients presented stable disease or partial response. Eight patients experienced adverse events grade ≥ 3: in five the dose of cisplatin was reduced; two stopped the treatment. Due to the hepatotoxicity of BC-active drugs, specific recommendations for systemic treatment are scarce. Our study explored cisplatin's potential use, finding it to be a viable option in patients with performance status 0 or 1 experiencing hepatic IVC/VC, irrespective of liver function parameters and other factors.

Cisplatin monotherapy as a treatment option for patients with HER-2–negative breast cancer facing hepatic visceral crisis or impending visceral crisis: A single-center cohort study.

e13057 Background: The international consensus guidelines, ESO-ESMO's fifth edition, characterize visceral crisis (VC) in advanced breast cancer (ABC) as a swift rise in bilirubin during disease progression. The guidelines also briefly address the impending VC (IVC) definition. Systemic treatment data for hepatic VC/IVC are scarce and lacking in international guidelines regarding BC treatment. This study explores cisplatin monotherapy's safety and efficacy in HER2-negative BC patients with hepatic IVC/VC. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted at a Reference Cancer Center in Southern Poland, data from HER2 negative ABC patients who underwent cisplatin monotherapy (60-80mg/m2, every 3-4 weeks) between 2016 and 2023 were examined. Hepatic VC followed ABC5 definition of rapid bilirubin elevation >1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) due to diffuse liver metastases, in the absence of biliary tract obstruction or Gilbert's syndrome; IVC was characterized by rapid, symptomatic liver progression, a majority of liver involvement, with ALT or AST >2 x ULN, and significant increases in LDH, alkaline phosphatase, or GGTP. Results: The study included 33 female participants (24 hormonal positive) with a mean age of 53.8 years (range 34-77). Among them, 10 were identified with hepatic VC, and 23 with IVC. Median number of previous palliative systemic treatment lines was 2 (range: 0-5). The median progression-free survival was 1.87 months and the median overall survival was 2.67 months. Patients received median 1 cycle of cisplatin (1-6): 17 patients received only one cycle, 6 patients two cycles and 10 patients ≥three cycles. Using the Conditional Inference Trees algorithm allowed to assess that patients with performance status (PS) 0 or 1 (15 patients) had a 66.67% chance of achieving stable disease (SD) or partial regression (PR) as the best response, while patients with PS ≥2 (18 patients) had a 5.6% chance of achieving SD or PR as per Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors 1.1 Criteria (median time from cisplatin initiation to imaging studies 2.23 months). Eight patients experienced adverse events of grade ≥3, such as fatigue or nephrotoxicity leading to dose reduction in 5 cases and treatment discontinuation in 2. Conclusions: The differentiation between IVC and VC lacks precision. Due to the hepatotoxicity of BC-active drugs, specific recommendations for systemic treatment are lacking. Our study explored cisplatin's potential use, finding it to be a feasible choice in patients with PS ≤1 experiencing hepatic IVC/VC, regardless of liver function parameters. Almost one-third of our patients were administered treatment in the last 30 days of life, potentially adversely affecting their quality of life and causing unwarranted suffering and costs. Academic clinical trials should be organized to address this pressing medical gap.

Tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled, phase II clinical trial.

TPS4183 Background: There is few high-level prospective randomized studies and international consensus guideline on treatment in elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LAESCC). Double-agent intravenous chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy is the standard of care for LAESCC. However, it’s based on clinical trials that only enrolled patients ≤ 75 years old and infeasible in elderly patients. Oral S-1 plus concurrent radiotherapy for elderly ESCC showed tolerable toxicity and survival benefit compared with radiotherapy alone. While, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate is limited about 40%. Therefore, it urgently needs find new treatment strategies to further improve the efficacy in elderly ESCC patients. Tislelizumab, the antii-PD-1 antibody, has recently been proved in the first- and second-line standard treatment for advanced ESCC. It shows mild toxicities and might be well-tolerated in the elderly. Here, we conducted the first clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab plus concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT) versus CCRT for elderly patients with inoperable LAESCC. Methods: The study is an open label, multicenter, parallel-controlled, investigator-initiated phase II clinical trial in elderly patients with inoperable LAESCC. We plan to enroll 136 elderly patients with LAESCC who will be randomly divided into two groups: tislelizumab combined with CCRT group (tislelizumab + radiotherapy + S-1) and CCRT group (radiotherapy + S-1). Tislelizumab is given intravenously on the first day of CCRT at the dose of 200 mg once every 3 weeks (Q3W). Radiotherapy is delivered at 50.4 Gy/1.8 Gy/28 fraction (5 times per week). S-1 is orally given at the dose of 40-60 mg from day1 to day14 and day 22 to 35. We will evaluate the efficacy and safety during the treatment and follow-up period until disease progression, death or the end of the trial. Considering the median progression free survival (PFS) is 16 months in elder receiving CCRT in history studies, we expect the median PFS would be 28 months at the hazard ratio of 0.57. The final sample size consists in 136 patients by 1:1 randomized in the two groups with 80% power and one-sided alpha and calculating for a 10% dropout rate. The primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints include OS, objective response rate, duration of objective response and severity of adverse events. Fresh or archival tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples will be used in the exploratory studies. This trial started on October 10, 2023 and has enrolled 19 patients till February 1, 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT06061146 .

A proof-of-concept study of LXP5268 as an add-on neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.

e12607 Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive subtype characterized by a high risk of mortality and a poor prognosis. The 2019 ASCO and St. Gallen International Consensus Guidelines strongly recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for early-stage TNBC. Previous studies indicated that NACT improved overall and disease-free survival in early-stage TNBC. LXP5268, a drug in the 505(b)(2) category, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing tumor size in animal models. Our study aims to assess whether combining LXP5268 with NACT enhances anti-tumor efficacy and tumor shrinkage rates in early-stage TNBC patients. Methods: Enrolled patients had untreated stage II-III TNBC. NACT consisted of docetaxel every 3 weeks for four cycles, followed by epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for an additional four cycles (24 weeks total). In the LXP5268 add-on NACT (LXP5268+NACT) group, patients took LXP5268 orally once daily with NACT. After treatment, we analyzed tumor objective response rate (ORR), shrinkage rate by CT images, and adverse events (AEs) diagnosed by the principal investigator. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 6 subjects in the LXP5268+NACT group, identifying potential germline variants and biomarkers, clinically interpreted following ACMG/AMP 2015 guidelines. Results: Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. LXP5268+NACT subjects (54.8 ± 7.2 years) and NACT subjects (59.3 ± 9.8 years) showed significant age differences ( p<0.001). The ORR was 100% in both the LXP5268+NACT group (3 pathological complete response, pCR and 4 pathological partial response, pPR) and NACT group (6 pPR). The tumor shrinkage rate was significantly higher in the LXP5268+NACT group at 77.3% ± 21.8 compared to 43.4% ± 12.8 in the NACT group ( p< 0.001). Moreover, subjects in the LXP5268+NACT group with a tumor reduction exceeding 50% surpassed those in the NACT group. AEs included neutropenia (85.7%), constipation (66.7%), and insomnia (66.7%), all grade 1. Interestingly, mutation in XIRP2 correlated with higher tumor shrinkage rate. Conclusions: LXP5268 combined with NACT was more effective than NACT alone for early-stage TNBC, without increasing AEs. These results highlight LXP5268's potential in TNBC therapy. Previous studies indicated XIRP2 mutations in metastatic breast cancer. LXP5268+NACT achieved pCR in XIRP2-mutated patients. Future clinical trials will expand to enhance result verification accuracy. Clinical trial information: CMUH106-REC3-145.

6th and 7th International consensus guidelines for the management of advanced breast cancer (ABC guidelines 6 and 7)

This manuscript describes the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) international consensus guidelines updated at the last two ABC international consensus conferences (ABC 6 in 2021, virtual, and ABC 7 in 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal), organized by the ABC Global Alliance. It provides the main recommendations on how to best manage patients with advanced breast cancer (inoperable locally advanced or metastatic), of all breast cancer subtypes, as well as palliative and supportive care. These guidelines are based on available evidence or on expert opinion when a higher level of evidence is lacking. Each guideline is accompanied by the level of evidence (LoE), grade of recommendation (GoR) and percentage of consensus reached at the consensus conferences. Updated diagnostic and treatment algorithms are also provided. The guidelines represent the best management options for patients living with ABC globally, assuming accessibility to all available therapies. Their adaptation (i.e. resource-stratified guidelines) is often needed in settings where access to care is limited.

#329 Effectiveness of dosing strategies of polymyxin B among sepsis patients with and without renal replacement therapies

Abstract Background and Aims Despite numerous population pharmacokinetic studies on polymyxin B, a gap exists in establishing uniform dosing strategies among sepsis patients due to various clinical and patient related factors. The International Consensus guidelines, provide detailed dosing calculation for colistin but not for polymyxin B in renal impairment patients [1]. We aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of various dosing strategies of both polymyxin B and colistin among sepsis patients with and without renal replacement therapies (RRT) in the clinical setting. Method We conducted a retrospective audit on adult patients (aged≥ 18 years) diagnosed with gram negative sepsis, both with and without RRT, who were administered polymyxins. Data was collected from the medical records of patients admitted to critical care setting of a tertiary care hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients who received polymyxin B doses for less than 3 days, pediatric, neonate patients or those discharged against medical advice were excluded. Data such as demographic details, RRT, polymyxin type and dosage, and therapy outcomes were collected. Polymyxin B dosing strategies were converted into low dose group (LD) [≤100 mg >150 mg loading dose (ld) and <150 mg maintenance dose (md)], usual dose group (UD) [150 mg ld and 150 mg md] and high dose (HD) [150 mg ld and >150 mg md] to evaluate its effectiveness [2]. Linear and logistic regression were used for continuous and categorical outcomes respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS vs 29.0 [3]. Results Our study cohort included 550 patients with mean age of 59.79 ± 15.78 years, and majority of them being male patients (55.2%). A total of 243 (39.6%) patients were on RRT. Among the study population, 465 (84.5%) patients were on polymyxin and 146 (26.5%) were on colistin therapy. Regression analysis of different regimens of Polymyxin B prescribed with various doses showed UD group (p = 0.04) as well as HD group (p = 0.05) with better outcome in terms of improvement. Among the Polymyxin B cohort patients on RRT, HD group showed better outcome (p = 0.045). There was a significant mean difference between polymyxin B dosing strategies with respect to ventilator-free days (p = 0.006), while the other clinical outcomes showed non-significant results. Conclusion Our results suggest polymyxin B dosing strategy with a loading and maintenance dose of 150 mg in general patients. In patients with RRT, a loading dose of 150 mg and maintenance dose of >150 mg is warranted. Further population pharmacokinetic studies with large sample size of RRT patients on polymyxin B is required.

European Achondroplasia Forum Practical Considerations for Following Adults with Achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia is a lifelong condition requiring lifelong management. There is consensus that infants and children with achondroplasia should be managed by a multidisciplinary team experienced in the condition. However, many people are lost to follow-up after the transition from paediatric to adult care, and there is no standardised approach for management in adults, despite the recent availability of international consensus guidelines. To address this, the European Achondroplasia Forum has developed a patient-held checklist to support adults with achondroplasia in managing their health. The checklist highlights key symptoms of spinal stenosis and obstructive sleep apnoea, both among the most frequent and potentially severe medical complications in adults with achondroplasia. The checklist acts as a framework to support individuals and their primary care provider in completing a routine review. General advice on issues such as blood pressure, pain, hearing, weight, adaptive aids, and psychosocial aspects are also included. The checklist provides key symptoms to be aware of, in addition to action points so that people can approach their primary care provider and be directed to the appropriate specialist, if needed. Additionally, the European Achondroplasia Forum offers some ideas on implementing the checklist during the transition from paediatric to adult care, thus ensuring the existing multidisciplinary team model in place during childhood can support in engaging individuals and empowering them to take responsibility for their own care as they move into adulthood.

Abstract PO1-20-01: A Prospective Single-Arm Pilot Interventional Trial to Assess Individual Breast Cancer Risk Prior to Gender-Affirming Chest Masculinization Surgery

Abstract Background: The number of individuals who identify as transgender and/or gender-diverse (TGD) is steadily increasing and the number of individuals seeking chest masculinization surgery, commonly called “top-surgery,” is also increasing. In persons assigned female at birth, top surgery removes most breast tissue to allow the chest to appear masculine. However, top surgery is not equivalent to oncologic risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM), which aim to remove all breast tissue to reduce future breast cancer (BC) risk. While top surgery has significant psychological and health benefits, its impact on future BC risk is unclear, especially for those individuals who are at high-risk for future BC development (defined as ≥17% by international consensus guidelines) and/or have a pathogenic germline mutation for BC. The aims of this study are to 1) determine the percentage of TGD persons assigned female at birth who are considering undergoing top surgery and are at elevated BC risk using validated risk models, 2) determine the percentage of TGD persons at elevated BC risk who choose to undergo RRM as part of top surgery, and 3) assess and compare self-perceived BC risk compared to calculated risk. Methods: A single-institution prospective single-arm pilot study is currently underway from March 2023 through January 2024. Individuals assigned female at birth, who are age ≥18 years, and considering undergoing top surgery, but have not yet undergone top surgery, are eligible to enroll (goal accrual N=35). Participants are being actively recruited form our institution’s Comprehensive LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Health Clinic and Plastic Surgery Clinic. Consented participants undergo a personalized BC risk assessment the validated IBIS and Gail (for those ≥35 years old) BC risk models. Those with an average lifetime BC risk (< 17%) are recommended to continue top surgery as planned/no intervention, participants with a moderate lifetime BC risk (17-30%) are counseled they may consider RRM as part of their top surgery operation given that sparse data exists in this space, while those with a high lifetime BC risk ( >30% or pathogenic germline variant) are counseled on the potential benefits of RRM. Participants with a family history suggestive of a hereditary cancer syndrome meet with a certified Genetics counselor for consideration of genetic testing, per NCCN guidelines. Results: We anticipate reporting 1) general demographic description of the cohort, 2) the percentage who have an elevated lifetime BC risk and/or a pathogenic genetic mutation, 3) the percentage of those with an elevated risk who choose to undergo RRM as part of top surgery, and 4) report the differences between self-perceived vs calculated lifetime BC risk. Conclusion: Our findings will inform TGD persons and surgeons on the utility of a personalized BC risk assessment prior to top surgery to assist in surgical decision-making, report the accuracy of self-perceived BC risk in TGD persons, and potentially change the standard pre-operative evaluation for TGD persons considering top surgery to include a formal BC risk assessment to ensure high-risk individuals have the option to undergo RRM to appropriately reduce their future BC risk. Citation Format: Chandler Cortina, Anna Purdy, Samantha Stachowiak, Kristen Klement, Sarah Sasor, Kate Krucoff, Andrew Petroll, Kevin Robertson, Annie Lakatos, Erin Doren. A Prospective Single-Arm Pilot Interventional Trial to Assess Individual Breast Cancer Risk Prior to Gender-Affirming Chest Masculinization Surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-20-01.

The role of the soft palate dose regarding normal tissue toxicities in older adults with head and neck cancer undergoing definitive radiotherapy.

The number of older adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is continuously increasing. Older HNSCC patients may be more vulnerable to radiotherapy-related toxicities, so that extrapolation of available normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models to this population may not be appropriate. Hence, we aimed to investigate the correlation between organ at risk (OAR) doses and chronic toxicities in older patients with HNSCC undergoing definitive radiotherapy. Patients treated with definitive radiotherapy, either alone or with concomitant systemic treatment, between 2009 and 2019 in a large tertiary cancer center were eligible for this analysis. OARs were contoured based on international consensus guidelines, and EQD2 doses using α/ß values of 3Gy for late effects were calculated based on the radiation treatment plans. Treatment-related toxicities were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Logistic regression analyses were carried out, and NTCP models were developed and internally validated using the bootstrapping method. A total of 180 patients with a median age of 73 years fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Seventy-three patients developed chronic moderate xerostomia (grade 2), 34 moderate dysgeusia (grade 2), and 59 moderate-to-severe (grade 2-3) dysphagia after definitive radiotherapy. The soft palate dose was significantly associated with all analyzed toxicities (xerostomia: OR = 1.028, dysgeusia: OR = 1.022, dysphagia: OR = 1.027) in the multivariable regression. The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle was also significantly related to chronic dysphagia (OR = 1.030). Consecutively developed and internally validated NTCP models were predictive for the analyzed toxicities (optimism-corrected AUCs after bootstrapping: AUCxerostomia=0.64, AUCdysgeusia=0.60, AUCdysphagia=0.64). Our data suggest that the dose to the soft palate is associated with chronic moderate xerostomia, moderate dysgeusia and moderate-to-severe dysphagia in older HNSCC patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy. If validated in external studies, efforts should be undertaken to reduce the soft palate dose in these patients.

Full‐body skin examination in screening for cutaneous malignancy: A focus on concealed sites and the practices of international dermatologists

AbstractBackgroundFull‐body skin examination (FSE) is fundamental to the diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy but may not always include concealed site examination (CSE).ObjectivesTo determine the approach of international dermatologists to CSE during FSE and examine influencing factors, barriers and attitudes toward CSE.MethodsMembers of the International Dermoscopy Society were surveyed using an online 12‐question survey disseminated via email.ResultsThere were 706 completed responses among 1249 unique clicks to the survey, representing a completion rate of 56.5%. Fifty‐four percent of respondents reported always examining the breasts, while 52.8%, 18.8%, and 11.8% always examined the scalp, oral, and anogenital mucosa, respectively. The most frequent reason for examining concealed sites was patient concern, whilst common reasons for not examining concealed sites included low incidence of pathology and concern regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.ConclusionsOur findings allude to the need for international consensus guidelines regarding the conduct and inclusion of concealed or sensitive sites in routine FSE. This is essential to define clinician responsibilities, inform patient expectations of care, and thereby mitigate potential medicolegal repercussions.

CT findings and clinical effects of high grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

To investigate the common CT findings of high-grade (HG) PanIN and clinical effects in the remnant pancreas in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. Two hundred fifty-one patients with surgically confirmed IPMNs (118 malignant [invasive carcinoma/high-grade dysplasia] and 133 benign [low-grade dysplasia]) were retrospectively enrolled. The grade of PanIN (233 absent/low-grade and 18 high-grade) was recorded, and all patients underwent serial CT follow-up before and after surgery. Two radiologists analyzed CT findings of high-risk stigmata or worrisome features according to 2017 international consensus guidelines. They also analyzed tumor recurrence on serial follow-up CT after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant predictors and clinical impact on postoperative outcomes of HG PanIN. PanIN grade showed a significant association with IPMN grade (p = 0.012). Enhancing mural nodules ≥5 mm, abrupt main pancreatic duct (MPD) changes with distal pancreatic atrophy, increased mural nodule size and MPD diameter were common findings in HG PanIN (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, abrupt MPD change with distal pancreatic atrophy (odds ratio (OR) 6.59, 95% CI: 2.32-18.72, <0.001) and mural nodule size (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08, 0.004) were important predictors for HG PanIN. During postoperative follow-up, HG PanIN (OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.22-20.33, 0.025) was significantly associated with cancer recurrence in the remnant pancreas. CT can be useful for predicting HG PanIN using common features, such as abrupt MPD changes and mural nodules. In HG PanIN, extra caution is needed to monitor postoperative recurrence during follow-up.

The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children). In resource-limited settings, urine cytology screening at similar time points can exclude BKPyV-nephropathy, and testing for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia when decoy cells are detectable. For patients with BKPyV-DNAemia loads persisting >1000 copies/mL, or exceeding 10 000 copies/mL (or equivalent), or with biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy, immunosuppression should be reduced according to predefined steps targeting antiproliferative drugs, calcineurin inhibitors, or both. In adults without graft dysfunction, kidney allograft biopsy is not required unless the immunological risk is high. For children with persisting BKPyV-DNAemia, allograft biopsy may be considered even without graft dysfunction. Allograft biopsies should be interpreted in the context of all clinical and laboratory findings, including plasma BKPyV-DNAemia. Immunohistochemistry is preferred for diagnosing biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy. Routine screening using the proposed strategies is cost-effective, improves clinical outcomes and quality of life. Kidney retransplantation subsequent to BKPyV-nephropathy is feasible in otherwise eligible recipients if BKPyV-DNAemia is undetectable; routine graft nephrectomy is not recommended. Current studies do not support the usage of leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, or IVIGs. Patients considered for experimental treatments (antivirals, vaccines, neutralizing antibodies, and adoptive T cells) should be enrolled in clinical trials.

Eating and drinking experience in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a qualitative study

ObjectiveTo explore eating and drinking experiences of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the impact of any changes associated with their diagnosis and any coping mechanisms developed by patients.SettingPulmonary fibrosis...

Guideline for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma-related renal impairment (2024 version)

Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). All patients with MM should be assessed for the presence and severity of renal impairment. The clinicopathological manifestations of MM-related renal impairment are diverse and complex; accordingly, except for light-chain nephropathy, which can often be diagnosed without biopsy based solely on clinical criteria, a renal biopsy is needed for an accurate diagnosis. Supportive care, such as adequate hydration, is required for all patients with MM-related renal impairment. The guideline provide the principles for dose adjustment of the drugs used for MM with renal impairment, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and alkylating agents, as well as those used for myeloma bone disease. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) are effective in patients with moderate renal impairment and are tolerated by the patients. The Chinese Hematology Association; the Chinese Geriatrics Association, Society of Hematology; and the Chinese Research Hospital Association, Society of Nephrology asked experts to collate information on current progress in clinical research relating to MM with renal impairment. This guideline was developed based on the gathered data combined with the latest international consensus and clinical practice guidelines.

Management of Adult Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: Delphi-Based Consensus Recommendations

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder related to the increased destruction and/or impaired production of platelets. Its diagnosis and management are challenging and require expertise and the interpretation of international consensus reports and guidelines with national variations in availability. We aimed to assess the agreement of hematologists in Türkiye on certain aspects of both first-line and second-line management of patients with pITP. Applying a modified Delphi method, the Turkish National ITP Working Group (14 steering committee members), founded under the auspices of the Turkish Society of Hematology, developed a 21-item questionnaire consisting of statements regarding the first-line and second-line treatment of pITP. A total of 107 adult hematologists working in either university or state hospitals voted for their agreement or disagreement with the statements in two consecutive rounds. The participants reached consensus on the use of corticosteroids as first-line treatment and with limited duration. Methylprednisolone was the corticosteroid of choice rather than dexamethasone. Use of intravenous immunoglobulin was not preferred for patients without bleeding. It was also agreed that thrombopoietin receptor antagonists (TPO-RAs) or rituximab should be recommended as second-line treatment and that splenectomy could be considered 12-24 months after diagnosis in patients with chronic pITP. The optimization of the dose and duration of TPO-RAs in addition to corticosteroids is necessary to improve the management of patients with pITP.

Differences in Characteristics Between Patients Who Met or Partly Met the Diagnostic Criteria for Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

Some patients with food protein-induced enterocolitis (FPIES)-like allergy do not completely fulfill the diagnostic criteria of the international consensus guideline for FPIES. However, it is unclear whether such FPIES-like patients represent a completely different population from FPIES. This study aimed to clarify differences in characteristics between patients with FPIES who fully met diagnostic criteria and those who partly met them. This was a cross-sectional study using data at the time of registration in multicenter, prospective studies of patients with FPIES in Japan. Children who had delayed emesis within 1 to 4 hours and/or diarrhea within 5 to 10 hours after ingestion of food were recruited between March 2020 and February 2022. We examined their compatibility with the diagnostic criteria of the international consensus guideline and their detailed clinical characteristics, including trigger foods, the serving size that elicited symptoms, and antigen-specific IgE antibody titers. Of the 225 patients with FPIES, 140 fully met the diagnostic criteria whereas 79 patients did not fully meet them but demonstrated reproducible symptoms. The frequencies of pallor, lethargy, and diarrhea were significantly higher in those who met the criteria fully, whereas the age at onset, trigger foods, comorbidity, and perinatal information were comparable. Analysis of patients with FPIES to hen's egg revealed significantly higher levels of egg white- and egg yolk-specific IgE in patients who partly met criteria, whereas the serving size eliciting symptoms was comparable. Patients who partly met the diagnostic criteria may have a milder phenotype of FPIES, but this needs to be validated in further studies using biomarkers reflecting the pathophysiology.

International consensus guidelines on robotic pancreatic surgery in 2023.

With the rapid development of robotic surgery, especially for the abdominal surgery, robotic pancreatic surgery (RPS) has been applied increasingly around the world. However, evidence-based guidelines regarding its application, safety, and efficacy are still lacking. To harvest robust evidence and comprehensive clinical practice, this study aims to develop international guidelines on the use of RPS. World Health Organization (WHO) Handbook for Guideline Development, GRADE Grid method, Delphi vote, and the AGREE-II instrument were used to establish the Guideline Steering Group, Guideline Development Group, and Guideline Secretary Group, formulate 19 clinical questions, develop the recommendations, and draft the guidelines. Three online meetings were held on 04/12/2020, 30/11/2021, and 25/01/2022 to vote on the recommendations and get advice and suggestions from all involved experts. All the experts focusing on minimally invasive surgery from America, Europe and Oceania made great contributions to this consensus guideline. After a systematic literature review 176 studies were included, 19 questions were addressed and 14 recommendations were developed through the expert assessment and comprehensive judgment of the quality and credibility of the evidence. The international RPS guidelines can guide current practice for surgeons, patients, medical societies, hospital administrators, and related social communities. Further randomized trials are required to determine the added value of RPS as compared to open and laparoscopic surgery.

Recognition of Chorioamnionitis on the Cardiotocograph (CTG): The role of the “Chorio Duck Score”

Chorioamnionitis refers to the inflammation of the chorion and amnion by the bacteria and their toxins as well as by the inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it is a fetal disease with the bacteria, their toxins as well as the fetal immunological responses involving inflammatory cytokines (interleukins, interferons, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) exerting their detrimental effects within the fetal compartment (i.e., amniotic fluid, fetal membranes, the placenta, and fetal tissues and organs). The vast majority of fetal inflammation occurs as a result of an ascending infection (i.e., entry of the bacteria from the maternal genital tract through the cervix). Therefore, maternal signs (tachycardia and pyrexia) may not be observed until the late stages of the disease. Cardiotocograph (CTG) trace was introduced into clinical practice in the 1960s as a tool to timely recognise ongoing fetal hypoxic stress so that immediate action could be taken to avoid hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and/ or intrapartum hypoxia-related perinatal deaths. Unfortunately, the CTG was introduced into clinical practice without any prior randomised controlled trials, which resulted in panicking and reacting to the observed morphology of fetal heart rate decelerations, which reflect an ongoing fetal compensatory response to reduce the myocardial workload. A sudden and reflex reduction of the heart rate in response to ongoing intermittent hypoxic stress (i.e., repetitive compression of the umbilical cord or interruptions in uteroplacental oxygenation due to uterine contractions) would ensure a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand and maintenance of aerobic metabolism to avoid the onset of anaerobic metabolism and production of lactic acid within the myocardium. Lack of understanding of fetal compensatory responses resulted in the illogical approach of grouping arbitrary features into different categories and then randomly combining them to classify the CTG traces into “Normal, Suspicious, and Pathological”. The same parameters were used in fetuses with chorioamnionitis with an alternative, inflammatory pathway of neurological injury. The international consensus guidelines of physiological interpretation of CTG produced by 44 CTG experts from 14 countries in 2018 ensured a paradigm shift and recommended classification of CTG traces based on the type of fetal hypoxia and fetal response to stress, by applying the knowledge of fetal physiology whilst interpreting CTG traces. During the last 5 years, research has highlighted CTG features in fetal neuro-inflammation, which include an absence of fetal heart rate cycling, the ZigZag Pattern, and sinusoidal patterns. The proposed “Chorio Duck Score” is a scoring system based on recently published scientific evidence on CTG features in subclinical and clinical chorioamnionitis to enable timely diagnosis of fetal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). This will help avoid the continuation of super-imposed hypoxic stress (i.e., progressive increasing frequency, duration, and strength of uterine contractions) on the background fetal inflammation, to prevent fetal neurological injury.